Page 77 of Snake

Knox

Something’s wrong. It’s not the cheesy old love song the DJ is playing. It’s not the way Nim clings to me like she’d fall to the floor if I let go. But it could be the way everyone glances over at us, like they’re struck with my hypocrisy. Or Nim’s wretchedness.

I get it. We were tormenting her just the other day, and now she’s willingly spending time with us? I’m not sure I understand it any more than an outsider could.

Then there’s the mark on her jaw. She kept turning her face away, trying to hide it. So I didn’t bring it up. After all, this should be a couple’s first romantic dance. I don’t need Nim on edge.

I look around, ignoring the people staring at us with open curiosity. When I make eye contact with Silas, he shakes his head. Nothing suspicious from his side. As I turn Nim around in a slow circle, I hunt out Mason on the other side of the dance floor. Nothing from him either, as a shake of his head confirms.

Nothing threatened Nim tonight, so her sponsors remained hidden. We might as well leave as soon as we’re done having our dance, because other than getting bumped by a lot of elbows, there’s nothing left here for us. No one of significance.

So why is there a malicious prickle between my shoulder blades?

Then I spot her. One of Eliza’s henchmen is on the sidelines, watching us with a crooked smile, like all she needs is a bag of popcorn and she’d be golden. And just what the fuck is she waiting for?

I glance over my shoulder. Mason is gone.

Fuck.

I throw Silas a look, and he hesitates a second before standing and stalking over to us. People get out of his way when they see him coming, and change their minds about cussing him out when their backs are turned and they see who shoved them aside.

Silas opens his mouth to ask me what the hell is going on, but I shake my head, drop my eyes to the top of Nim’s head, and carefully transfer her into Silas’s arms.

He’s stiff at first, and she comes to like she’s waking from a dream. Her wide hazel eyes stare up at us in confusion, eyelashes fluttering when I bend to kiss her forehead. Why does the skin there look a little raw?

Silas urges her closer to him, and she nuzzles against him like she did me, watching as I back up a few paces.

They’ll be fine, but I’m not so sure about Mason. He was in a murderous mood after that shit Eliza pulled. I don’t need him starting a fight. Not tonight.

He just might end up killing someone.

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