Page 52 of The Devil's Pawn

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Little Pawn.”

My stomach twists. There he goes again with commentarythat makes me feel as though he knows what I’m planning. What I’ve been planning all along. The urge to swallow engulfs me, but I resist it. “And you’re talking in riddles. Then again, what else is new.”

I shove at his chest, and he drops his hand. With a departing glare, I return to Tobias, forcing a wavering grin, even though the exchange has left me shaken.

“Are you okay?”

His concern brings a rush of tears to my eyes, but I blink them away. “I’m fine. Come on. Dish the gossip.”

Tilting his head to one side, he says, “You know, Imogen, my brother doesn’t realize what a diamond he has in you yet, but he will. Give him time.”

I murmur some platitude or other and let him lead me away. How stupid of me that I craved Alexander’s attention when that should be the last thing on my mind. It’ll only complicate my plan, and that’s what I need to keep my mind on, not the pang in my chest nor the ache between my legs. He can’t know what I’m up to. The only person aware of my endgame is Emma. He’s either bluffing or he’s referring to something else entirely. Until I’m presented with evidence to the contrary, I’m choosing to believe it’s the latter.

It turns out that Tobias knows pretty much everyone, and there aren’t many who escape his acerbic wit. I catch sight of Elizabeth chatting with a dark-haired woman I haven’t seen before. Elizabeth is more animated than I’ve seen her on the previous two occasions we’ve met. The other girl, though, is zoned out, her shoulders drooping like she's carrying this invisible load.

“Who’s that with Elizabeth?” I ask Mr. Know-It-All.

He follows my gaze. “Her sister Victoria. Looks like she’s swallowed a particularly bitter plum, doesn’t she?”

He laughs, but I only offer a faint smile. To me, she looks sad rather than bitter. Nicholas approaches, and Victoria stiffens and averts her eyes. He takes Elizabeth’s hand, and the two walk away. Tobias is whispering some juicy piece of gossip in my ear, but I’m too busy watching Victoria staring at Nicholas’s back, an intense look of longing on her face.

Ah. I see it now. Poor Victoria. She’s got the hots for her sister’s fiancé. What a horrible situation to be in. I could be wrong, but I don’t think I am. She tracks his every step until a crowd of people cut him off from view, then she turns away, swiping a glass of champagne from a passing server. She empties it in one go, setting the glass back on the tray before the server has taken a step.

“Would you excuse me for a moment, Tobias?”

I head over to Victoria, smiling as I approach. “Hi. We haven’t met. I’m Imogen.”

“I know who you are.” She smiles a little, and it changes her whole face. “Are you surviving life with the De Vils?”

“I’m holding my own.”

“Good. You’ll need to.”

“Not a fan?” From the way she stared at Nicholas, I’d say the complete opposite, but I’m not surprised when she shakes her head.

“Most of them are jerks.”

“You’ll be part of the family soon.”

She scoffs a laugh. “Just because my sister has no choice other than to marry Nicholas doesn’t mean I’ll ever consider myself a part of this family. No, thank you. I’d rather eat prunes.”

I chuckle, warming to her immediately. Maybe Victoria could be the answer to my loneliness. I’d hoped Saskia and Iwould grow close, but the woman is hardly ever around. “You know, Victoria, you’re my kind of girl.”

“It’s Vicky. I hate being called Victoria. Makes me sound as though I’m being scolded.”

“Vicky, it is.”

I’m about to ask her if she’d like another drink when Tobias appears at my shoulder.

He dips his chin. “Victoria.”

She gives me a look. I swallow a chuckle.

“Tobias.”

“I hope you don’t mind me stealing this lady away for a dance.”

“Wouldn’t matter if I did. You De Vils always get what you want.”

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