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Lie.
Lie.
Lie.
My whole life feels like a lie sitting here, playing dress up with my friends. Friends who wouldn’t look twice at me if they knew the truth.
A truth I can’t seem to outrun.
While they’re all distracted with dessert and each other, I check my phone again, carefully reading every word of Vaughn’s message.
Vaughn: This is the target. You know what to do.
The next message is an image. A man’s face. I study the grainy photo before closing the message thread and shoving it back in my bag.
I inhale a shuddering breath as I reach for my glass of champagne and take a big sip.
As if tonight isn’t tense enough, now Vaughn is on my case.
My gaze flicks over to where Theo and Millie sit with their father and his friends, a sense of dread curling in my stomach.
I shouldn’t have come tonight.
I should have stayed away.
But how could I when Theo and Millie needed me?
Even if they’ll end up hating me one day, it doesn’t change the fact I care about them.
A part of me always will.
* * *
When dessert is over, there’s a small break before what I can only assume will be a speech.
People mill about near the bar, talking and laughing. Theo excuses himself from his table and makes his way toward us. He talks to Elliot first, the two of them in a tense, hushed conversation. Both their dark gazes snap over to mine, and I drop my eyes, embarrassed that they caught me watching.
I’m so out of my depth here, I feel like I’m drowning.
I’m about to excuse myself when Theo moves around the table to talk to Oak and Tally. He leans over her, resting his other hand along the back of my chair, his fingers brushing my shoulder.
My breath catches as I glance around, worried someone might see. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mr. Ashworth has heard rumours about the girl from out of town his son has taken a shine to, but everyone knows the Heirs reputation as playboys. He probably thinks I’m nothing more than a desperate Heir chaser willing to spread my legs for a boost up the social ladder.
He hasn’t so much as looked twice in my direction so I’m obviously of no concern to him.
The thought bothers me more than it should.
“When’s the actual party starting?” Reese grumbles. “This is as dull as shit.”
“Won’t be long now,” Theo says but I don’t miss the strain in his voice. “I should get back to Millie.”
“How’s she holding up?” Elliot asks.
“She’s okay. At least, she will be soon.” His fingers graze my shoulder again and then he’s gone, strolling across the room like he owns it.
“Excuse me,” I say to no one in particular. “I’m going to the toilet again.”
I grab my clutch and hurry to the ladies’ bathroom. A couple of girls shoot me a derisive look but I ignore them. I’ve got bigger things to worry about besides whether or not the spoiled rich bitches of All Hallows’ approve of my outfit.
