Page 199 of Dare To Live

“What are you doing?”

“Can’t have you damaging those cute little toes, can I?” I weave between the dancing couples and deposit her on a chair at the table we’re sharing with Miles, Ivan, and Garrett. “Would my lady like a drink?”

“Yes, she would.” She waggles her fingers at me. “Water, though, please. It’s too hot in here.”

“Whatever my Princess desires.” I give her a half-bow and head for the bar and buffet that’s been set up in one corner of the room.

I’m collecting two bottles of water when Bret stops beside me.

“You’re doing great.” He piles finger food onto his plate.

“Thanks, Dad.”

He snorts. “That did sound a little patronizing, didn’t it? I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I know.” I glance around, checking to see if anyone is nearby. “Is there any news?”

He shakes his head. “Nothing so far. Just stay alert.”

“There’s something I need to do. We’re going to disappear for a little while. Make sure no one follows us.”

“Eli—”

“I’m not going to spend the night worrying about what might happen. I had a plan for this evening, and I’m going through with it. If Ivan hadn’t outed your real purpose here, I wouldn’t have any idea about it … and that’s how I’m going to behave. So, make sure no one disturbs us.”

“Where will you be?”

I smile. “You’re the agent. You figure it out.” I turn my back on him and go back to the table.

Placing both bottles of water on the table, I drag another chair around until it’s in front of Arabella and sit down. I pat my leg.

“Foot.”

“Are you having a stroke? That’s your leg.” Arabella twists off the cap from her water bottle.

I roll my eyes. “Put your foot up here, Hellcat.” I reach down and wrap my fingers around her ankles, lift her legs and place her feet on my thigh, then ease her shoes off.

“What are you doing?”

“Foot massage.” I run my fingers over the sole of one foot. “You remember the last time I gave you one of those, don’t you?”

Her cheeks fire up, which gives me the answer to that question. I’d been naked on the floor of my cabin, doing whatever it took to make her forgive me for the things I’d done to her. I rub her foot, watching the play of emotions cross her face. When she gives a soft sigh and closes her eyes, I smile.

“Feel good?”

“So good,” she breathes.

I set her feet down and take out my cell. Keeping one eye on Arabella to make sure she doesn’t see what I’m doing, I type out a message.

Me: Go to the restroom, take off your panties, then meet me by your locker. Red or green?

Chapter 115

Arabella

I take another sip of water from the bottle. My cheeks are warm, and the heat in the ballroom is a little overwhelming. The dance floor is busy with dancers. Eli has kept me on my feet, and my body pressed to the length of his for what feels like hours. He’s been flirty and courteous. Teasing and funny. The perfect partner.

Eli has never been my Prince Charming. When we were both here at the Academy as kids, he was the villain of my story. The monster who had owned these hallways. Our time together is slipping away faster, like water between my fingers.

---