Page 27 of Dark Angel

“I would like us to be friends.”

Kora shoots him a look of disbelief, her feet stilling underneath her. “Friends,” she repeats, her voice so subtle Charles can barely hear it. She sniffs a laugh before adding, “A friend is not someone who has tormented you all of your life, ridiculed you in front of others, and turned everything little thing into a competition. A friend is someone who, like Matthew, listens and helps me when I need them to. You are not myfriend,Charles, not after what you said to me about my parent’s deaths.” Her voice is harsh, like a serrated knife.

Charles goes to say something, but then his mouth closes as if he reconsiders what he was about to yell back at her.

Kora pushes back the tears stinging in her eyes and drops her hand from his. “I am sorry you wasted your time, Charles, but I can’t dance with you anymore.”

The song continues playing by the ensemble in the corner, but she can’t be in Charles’ presence for another second. She turns away, wanting nothing more than to bolt outside for some fresh air, but his grip on her is too strong. “You need me more than you think, Kora,” he breathes out, his breath tickling her ear and neck as he speaks, “did you really think I wouldn’t find out about you and your brother having financial issues?”

Her head whips around, eyes widening at him. “You have no idea what you’re speaking about, Charles.” Cutting him an icy glare.

“No?” he questions her. Green eyes hooding with hilarity. She watches a faint smile growing on his face. There’s always been something about Charles she’s never liked, as if his energy is bad or his snootiness has made him too unbearable. “I know that your precious brother is scrounging around for extra money. Something thatthe Elders will frown upon if they find out. Then, your brother will be utterly humiliated in front of the whole Ascendancy, ending any chance of him being wedded to someone of worth.”

Kora tries pushing him off her without causing a scene, but his hold on her is tight.

His voice is so soft, mouth pressed up against the shell of her ear. It drips heavily with loathing and deception. “My family can help you. Both of you.” Charles proposes gently.

She shakes her head lightly. “You don’t want to help me unless there’s something in it for you. You only think of yourself, Charles, and I am not poor enough to strike up a deal with you.”

A twinkle in his eyes sends a shiver down her spine. Neither of them had noticed the music stopping, and people turning to watch them in their quarrelling dispute. Most of the other dancing couples are moving off the floor, leaving the two of them in this awkward situation.

“I’d reconsider if I were you,” Charles continues to tease, “Miss Hamilton.”

Her name on his lips startles her once again. Pulling herself from his grip, Kora lifts the skirt of her silver gown and hurries away. Glancing back over her shoulder to see Charles’ face tightening and following her, she walks right into someone.

Losing balance, she stumbles backwards, but his hand catches her before she can make an even bigger embarrassment of herself and fall onto her behind in front of every watching eye. A small gasp escapes her as he steadies her on her feet once again. Her eyes fall to where his palm connects with her skin. His energy electrifying hers, jolting her senses awake as if they’ve been nullified this whole time, and he’s finally igniting them. Kora’s pulse skitters.

Turquoise eyes look right into her own as his chiselled face assesses her. Kora wonders if he can feel the same tingles as he holds onto her. If his energy is as captivated in hers.

“Sorry.” Kora breathes out before looking back to see Charles staring at them a few feet away. Irritation flares in his expression. His eyes dart between her and Jordan, before his hands dig angrily into his waistcoat and Charles storms off.

“No need to apologise. Are you all right?” Jordan’s voice is smooth and delicate, like honey, as he questions her.

Turning back, his face is still, waiting for her to answer him.

Swallowing, Kora nods to him, “Yes. I am, thank you.”

“Good.” Jordan says as a smile blooms on his features. It’s a smile that settles her, one of the nicest she’s ever seen.

She wonders now if he overheard their argument or saw her dancing with Charles. She doesn’t want him thinking they’re courting.

He adds quietly, “It was lovely meeting you, Miss…”

“Hamilton.” Kora finishes off for him.

Jordan’s dimples deepen and she can’t stop staring at him. “Miss Hamilton.” He repeats lowly. His hand falls away from her arm, the tingling sensation weakening, but she continues to feel butterflies swarming her insides.

“As it was you, Master Carter.”

He shakes his head at her as he gives a breathy chuckle, “Please call me Jordan.” And he walks off, following his parents around the room.

*?*?*

Clarence follows his uncle down the hallway. He has been in the Bladesmith manor enough times to know his way around. Creeping past the library, he peeps his head out from behind the door frame, trying to get a closer look at him.

Will continues on his way towards the entrance doors. Glancing back over his shoulder somewhat nervously, which Clarence finds rather odd. He gives the hall a once over before turning back.

Everyone else is still at the soiree, the sound of music and chatter gently filling the hallway.

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