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She searches my face, as if looking for some sign of my inner torment. Finding none, she nods. “Yes. Let’s go.”
I lead her out to the waiting limousine, hand firm on her lower back. The beast continues to pace, unsatisfied and waiting to emerge once more.
Tonight will be a long one indeed.
15
Flore
The ballroom is filled with Luxbourg’s nobility dressed in their finest attire. Ornate chandeliers cast a golden glow over the space, and a small orchestra plays a waltz in the corner.
It should be a festive occasion, but tension simmers beneath my skin. Ben’s possessive behavior earlier has left me unsettled, the memory of his grip on my neck both thrilling and frightening.
I glance at Ben now, taking in his handsome profile. He’s the picture of control and restraint in his tuxedo, but I know the beast that lurks beneath.
Queen Ophelie and Duke Haskell approach then, concern in their eyes. “Is everything all right, Flore?” Ophelie asks, glancing between Ben and me.
“Of course,” I say, forcing a smile. “Just pre-event jitters.”
Duke Haskell’s gaze sharpens. “If there’s anything you need to discuss—”
“There’s nothing to discuss.” Ben’s arm curls around my waist, his fingers biting into my hip. The smile he gives Duke Haskell is all teeth. “I’m simply nervous about this evening.”
Ophelie’s lips purse, dissatisfaction clear in her expression. She opens her mouth to speak when a shout rings through the ballroom.
“Well, isn’t this cozy!”
The voice is mocking, carrying an undertone of madness that has the fine hairs on my neck rising. I turn with the rest of the crowd to find a figure in a grotesque clown costume on the balcony, wielding a gun.
My heart leaps into my throat.
16
Ben
Rage ignites in my chest at the sight of Jimmy Holden, my former target, and the psycho obsessed with taking his revenge on me since I busted his ultra-nationalist terrorist group. How dare he threaten Flore?
I step in front of her, blocking her from view. Jimmy Holden’s gaze latches onto mine, madness and glee twisting his expression.
“I’ve come to finish our game of cat and mouse,” he says. “What do you say, Locklear? Care for one more dance?”
My hands curl into fists at my sides. “I’m going to end you once and for all.”
Jimmy Holden throws back his head and laughs. The sound grates on my nerves, fury burning hotter with each second.
I start forward, ready to rip him apart, when Flore’s hand closes around my wrist.
“Ben, don’t,” she says softly. “He wants you to make the first move.”
I pause, jaw clenched. She’s right—Jimmy Holden is goading me into action to give him an excuse to open fire. If I rush him, innocent people will get hurt, maybe even killed.
I take a deep breath and force myself to remain still. Jimmy Holden’s eyes narrow, his amusement fading.
“Well, isn’t this interesting,” he says. “It seems the beast has a weakness after all.”
My fingers curl into fists, but I keep my place. Jimmy Holden may have found my weakness, but he’s about to learn I also have a strength he can’t possibly anticipate.
No one threatens what’s mine and lives to tell about it.
