Page 89 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

Thank Isvana, eventually, a hand landed on Brynleigh’s arm when they were near the edge of the dance floor.

“Excuse me, mind if I cut in?” Zanri smiled, his eyes twinkling behind his mask.

Ryker turned to the shifter, his face hardening. “Who are you?”

There was a gruffness in Ryker’s voice that caused Brynleigh’s core to tighten in wholly inappropriate ways. She squeezed her thighs together and turned to the masked shifter. “This is Zanri. I… work with him.”

In as much as working meant that Zanri found criminals for Brynleigh to kill. Semantics.

“Ah.” Tension slipped from Ryker’s shoulders. “Would you like to dance with him?”

Honestly, the only thing Brynleigh wanted was for this entire evening to end. However, since that didn’t seem possible, this was a close second. If she danced with Zanri, she could keep those frustrating emotions in check.

“I do,” said Brynleigh.

Ryker reluctantly released her before leaning over and kissing her cheek. “I’ll be right over there,” he whispered. His voice was much firmer when he told Zanri, “One song.”

The shifter nodded and led Brynleigh silently onto the dance floor. He drew her close—but not too close—and started swaying. “I hear congratulations are in order.”

Brynleigh smiled. “They are.”

Zanri spun her. It was nice but didn’t compare to Ryker’s impressive dance skills.

“And how are you doing?” he asked when he drew her back in.

That was a loaded question. There were many ways she could answer. Confused. Antsy. Emotional. Torn up inside. In the end, she asked for clarification. “You mean with rule number ten?” Her voice was low, meant only for Zanri.

He nodded. “Yes.”

“I’m… alright.” Lie. Her box was filled to the brim with illicit emotions. But what else could she say?

Twice now, Ryker had declared his love for her. Both times, she hadn’t said anything. Lying to him was one thing, but proclaiming false love was another. It was a step too far, even for her.

Brynleigh had never said those words to anyone, and she wouldn’t start now.

“You must stay strong, B.” Zanri’s soft voice was firm and grounding, as if he knew the inner turmoil she was experiencing.

“I will.” Brynleigh nodded, trying to convince herself of the fact.

Somehow, her voice was unwavering despite the storm churning within her.

The shifter squeezed her hands. “You must.”

Again, Brynleigh wondered at the forcefulness in Zanri’s voice. Maybe it was just her time away from the safe house, but he seemed so… insistent. It struck Brynleigh as odd. Why was he pushing this? He didn’t have anything at stake.

But then the song ended. Zanri stepped aside, and Ryker took his place.

The fae’s hand settled on the small of her back again, and he pulled her close. His eyes searched hers. “Are you okay?”

No. She was so far from okay that she couldn’t even remember what that felt like.

She couldn’t say that, so instead, she said, “Yes.”

His gaze searched hers, and his thumb rubbed circles on her exposed back. All night, he’d been touching her. It was gods-damned distracting and made it hard for her to think.

“You can tell me the truth, Brynleigh,” he murmured, just loud enough to be heard over the music.

That was the last thing she could do.

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