Page 5 of A Twisted Arrangement

“I’ll make sure to take you up on that.” My voice is soft and serene. Everything a society lady’s should be. Which just makes Damon’s grin grow wider.

“It was great meeting you,” Misty says, glancing behind me, then back to me again. She can’t hide her curiosity when she says, “Let’s have lunch.”

“I’d love that.” She smiles wide, pouring a welcoming warmth over me. Her good mood is addictive, and I can see exactly why Damon’s drawn to her.

Once they’re gone, Liam relaxes, letting his arm drop from my side.

“Congratulations!” A man with nearly white hair claps Liam on the back. His hair stands out in a way that doesn’t match his young face. He shakes my soon-to-be ex-fiancé playfully, and his sleeve lifts momentarily, revealing what appears to be a family crest tattooed on his wrist. “You should have told me.”

“I didn’t want to waste time.” Liam shrugs, then looks at me. “I’ve told you about Trip, haven’t I? We went to Harvard together.”

I internally roll my eyes. We’ve gone on three dates. When exactly would he have told me about his friends?

“I’m sorry, I must have forgotten.” I reach out a hand to Trip. “I’m Scarlet Laur?—”

“Laurent, I know. Liam’s told me all about you. I’m hurt that he hasn’t mentioned me.”

“Knock it off. I’m sure she’s just forgetting,” Liam responds.

Now this asshole is really pissing me off.

“Do you mind if I steal your fiancé? We have some pressing work things to take care of.” The look Trip gives Liam belies his lie.

“Yes, that’s no problem.” I leave out the fact that I don’t want to be near him either.

“Perfect.” Liam kisses my cheek, and I barely suppress my shudder. “I’ll call you.”

I’d really appreciate it if you didn’t.

It’s clear now that Damon’s gone, there’s no point in him sticking around. He’s not even bothering to pretend he’s here for me. Which is good because it would just piss me off even more.

I guess I won’t be dumping him tonight. I down my champagne in two swallows before grabbing a replacement from one of the trays circling the room. I’m going to need to dull my senses if I’m going to be stuck here for any longer.

“Shouldn’t you slow down?” Oliver, my burly security guard, says in an even tone. Like he’s saying it out of obligation, knowing I won’t listen to him anyway. He’s been with me since I moved out on my own; pretty sure he’s given up on trying to talk sense into me. Oliver is in his late forties, and there’s been more than one occasion I caught him questioning why he took this job.

The Order stuck him with me without asking if having a guard is something that I want, but apparently, as someone who’s “unprotected” by men in my family, it’s not a choice.

“What? You don’t think I should celebrate this happy occasion?” Sarcasm drips from my lips, and I take another sip to wash the taste out.

There’s no teasing in Oliver’s eyes like there was with Damon. He doesn’t like what’s happening here any more than I do.

“Relax.” I grin at him. “It’s either drink or commit murder. You decide.”

Oliver hands me another glass, taking my empty one.

“That’s what I thought.”

It’s not long before a fuzzy contentment takes over me, and I begin to sway with the music. It’s been a long time since I let my guard down like this in public, but there’s only so much bullshit I can take, and Liam hit my limit.

Of course, the happy feeling doesn’t last long as the crowd’s whispers reach me. I’m not surprised they’re talking about the proposal, but it’s the way they point out he’s only marrying me for my place in the Order that has me annoyed.

My stomach flips at the idea of marrying any of these men. I want to get away from these stuffy people as fast as possible. I take a step toward the hall, but Oliver’s gentle grasp on my arm stills me.

“Where are you going?”

“The little girls’ room.” I huff out a breath, the alcohol making me sound more like a child than I care for. He’s being a little too overprotective for where we are, but he’s also my ride out of here.

“Actually…grab the car, and I’ll meet you around the front.”

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