Page 23 of A Twisted Arrangement

“Congratulations on your ascension.” I step in with the other dancers. This one requires intricate steps and changing of partners.

He’s cut off from answering until we’re brought together again. “Thank you. My father is quite happy.”

I tilt my head at his answer. Not quite what one would expect from someone who just took one of the most prestigious roles in the world. I examine him a little harder, but there’s nothing in how he holds himself that seems anything but excited to be here.

The steps continue, and I’m once again switched to another partner, but instead of the older, portly gentleman I expect, a gold mask is looking down at me.

Only years of practice prevent me from missing a step when his hand meets mine. The moment of contact sends an electric current shooting up my arm, and I pull away, only to have him catch my fingers. Matthias’s deep brown eyes take in mine as we move together through the steps. His scent fills my nose, a nostalgia coming with it as I breathe him in.

Matthias slides his hand up my waist, a move that’s not a part of the dance, and heat floods to my core. The room feels small around us as his touch burns me through my dress. Iswallow hard as unwanted memories of our kiss come thrashing in, causing my breath to hitch in my throat.

He hasn’t said a word, and yet he still has all of my attention.

A slow smile curves his lips when he lets me go, switching to his next partner. Mr. Volkov saves me from embarrassment, an easy hand guiding me back into formation.

He lowers his head so only I can hear. “You okay?”

My pulse wooshes in my ears as I try to gain control of my body, pissed that just the slightest touch from Matthias has my body out of control.

The song comes to an end, and I give a meek smile. “I’m fine. Just thirsty.”

“Let me get you a drink.”

“I’m alright on my own. Besides, I think the girls will throw a mutiny if I keep you much longer.”

He looks around and smiles as if just noticing the countless eyes on him. I can’t tell if he’s oblivious or skilled at this entire thing. Whatever he is, by the way the girls around us blush, it’s working.

“Are you sure?” he asks out of obligation.

“Yes.” I laugh at the way he visibly relaxes. He’s nineteen max and clearly enjoying his new notoriety. “Go have fun.”

After ten minutes of people-watching, familiar white hair catches my attention. I’m not positive it’s Liam’s friend until I spot the tattoo on his wrist when he lifts his hand to take a sip of his drink.

I haven’t seen Liam in the last few days, not that I’m surprised after Matthias spoke with him. No matter what was said, I’m sure it wasn’t pleasant for my ex-fiancé.

Trip and the other man are whispering to each other, and suspicion seeps into the back of my mind. There are any number of things they can be talking about, but there’s something thatfeels off about the entire thing. I inch my way closer, trying to make out what they’re saying.

My ears prickle when I catch a few words before they fade.

“You knowtheLaurent…”

“Are you sure…”

“It’s the only way.”

Their back-and-forth conversation has the hair on my neck standing up. Every instinct in my body goes into full alarm. These men aren’t here for just the party.

As if sensing my eyes on them, they both glance around the room before one nods to the other, and they both head toward one of the halls.

My fingers tap on my hip, mildly comforted by the hard steel under the fabric.

If they are talking about me, nothing good will come from following them. I gnaw my lip, running the outcomes through my mind. If they catch me, I can just pretend I’m lost, heading to the restroom, but depending on the severity of their secret, they may not just let me go.

Counterpoint: if they are talking about me, it’s in my best interest to know exactly what they’re planning.

Making sure my mask is firmly in place, I trail several feet behind them.

Their strides are twice as long as mine, confined in my tight dress and four-inch heels, and I try not to run to keep up with them in the ballroom.

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