Page 108 of Forbidden Deception

My guard steps forward, but I shake my head, and he blends into the shadows once more.

“Come on. Just one dance?”

I narrow my eyes at his request. He must have a motive. Why else would he bother asking for a dance from Remo’s sister? I’m aware my position in society will mean I could get used, but the power is in my decision.

“Why?”

Vance tilts his head. “You look lonely,”

“Sure.” I snort, looking away from him only for my eyes to find Rafael talking to a woman. My chest burns all over again.

“Oh, you fell for the wrong man, Venezia. Rafael, despite not showing up in London often, has always been cold and private. You think you can get past his walls?” Vance stands next to me and looks at Rafael with me.

I push my shoulder against his. “Go away. You think you’re some relationship advisor or something?”

He grins. “Or something. Come on.” He grabs my wrist and pulls me towards the dance floor despite my protests.

“Vance, stop it right now.”

“Stop fighting. Rafael might not think of this dance as real as we want it to show,”

I instantly slow down and stop him in the middle of the dance floor.

“Vance, you’re getting this wrong. I don’t want to be thought of as someone who will move onto another so quickly. I’m not a player like you.” I scrunch my nose, making him laugh.

“Wrong assumption, cutie.”

“I’m not your cutie,” I snap.

He grabs my hand and places it on his shoulder, then slides his hand onto my hip and starts to move us. I give in.

“Only one dance, you hear me? Whoever you are trying to make jealous by using an easy option, aka me, do so, but hurry up.” I sharpen my eyes, and Vance stills for a second but continues dancing.

“Sure.” He smirks, turning us.

His eyes are so light that I know exactly why the public will be keen on selecting such a good-looking prime minister.

“Busy lying to the public these days?”

“Busy cosying up to a certain billionaire?” he retorts with a raised brow, making me bite back a smile.

“Busy trying to act like a player in order to impress someone?”

“Busy trying to look heartbroken when you are here looking for them?”

I laugh, shaking my head. “How about you mind your own business?”

“How about you wear more golden dresses? They suit you.” He winks.

I slap his shoulder playfully. “Stop that.”

“It’s working, though.” He nods to his left, and I look over to find Rafael dancing with that same red-headed woman who offered him a glass, but his eyes flick over to me every few seconds.

He didn’t dance in public places. Ever.

My heart jumps into my throat.

I snap back to Vance to find him smirking.

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