Page 114 of Us Dark Few

If it sounded bad, the denials were abundant. Even if it were true, they would claim the governor had every right to act accordingly.

Cowards, the lot of them.

Alexander Huxley approached the table slowly, like a viper waiting to strike. “Ah, Miss Kanes. A pleasure to see you again.”

She swallowed tightly and forced herself to smile. “Thank you, sir. It’s an honor to serve here tonight.”

The two beautiful girls flanking the Governor were striking in their attire. One had silky platinum blonde hair and wore a shiny yellow dress with a plunging neckline. The other girl wore an emerald green ballgown, her stunning red locks cascading over her breasts.

“Aren’t you gonna pull out the chairs for us?” the woman in the yellow dress sneered.

Her teeth clenched, but Khalani held her emotions in check and only gave a terse nod. She begrudgingly pulled out the seats for each one of the guests, but when she went behind the Governor’s chair, he waved his hand in dismissal.

“I think I can pull my own chair, Miss Kanes. It’s a beautiful night to celebrate, don’t you think?” Alexander’s eyes flickered to her as he stood beside the table, giving her a knowing smile.

The Governor was far too smart not to be aware she hated Genesis. She was convinced he liked making people answer questions theydidn’t want to. He liked that sort of control.

“I’m sure it’ll be a night to remember.” She gulped as he shifted closer.

The Governor slowly grinned, his piercing blue gaze sending chills down her spine. “Indeed.”

A ball of knots twisted in her chest as the Governor gracefully sat down and conversation resumed in the ballroom. She could hardly breathe with him this close.

“I think I’ll start with a bottle of red wine. Ladies, would you like some wine or champagne?” Alexander asked with a disarming grin.

The girl with red hair licked her lips flirtatiously. “I will drink whatever you are having, Great Governor.”

“The same for me.” The other woman’s eyes roved down the Governor as if she were mentally undressing him.

She was going to bash her own head with the bottle of wine before the night was over.

Alexander chuckled, turning back to her, but she noticed the smile didn’t reach his eyes. They were conspicuously blank.

“Make that twobottles of red wine. And whatever my fellow council members want.” He waved his hand dismissively.

Khalani nodded and escaped as quickly as possible. The Governor’s energy was like glue fastening to her skin. She let out the breath her lungs were holding as she walked into the kitchen.

“We picked out a spot to send the message,” Serene whispered behind her shoulder.

Khalani whirled, glancing around to make sure no one else was listening. “Where?”

“Adan found a storage room to send the signal. After food is served and they are distracted dancing, meet in here, and we’ll sneak—”

“You two! Get back out there!” Arthur yelled.

Startled, Khalani kicked into overdrive mode and hastily brought the drinks to the Governor’s table, trying to control her erratic breathing. The smell of artificial steak and chicken hung over the air, and she forced herself not to stare at the food as she stood a few feet from the table in silence, hunger pangs clawing her stomach.

Khalani turned her head at the sound of a commotion.

“You pathetic imbecile! I asked for my steak well-done!” an old woman with garish makeup and a thick, lilac dress shouted at one of the female prisoners.

“Sorry, miss. I will get another,” the prisoner apologized, reaching for the food.

“I don’t want your dirty hands touching my plate! Send someone else for my food. Someone competent.” The wrinkled lady flicked her hand in disgust like the girl was a fly that needed to be swatted.

“Get it yourself then,” the girl spat out.

Two guards suddenly appeared behind the prisoner, holding a taser to her neck. The girl started seizing and fell to the ground in a heap. She was still convulsing and making low-moaning sounds as the guards dragged her away.

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