Page 45 of Dance of Deception

I think of the fact that I’m most definitelynotgetting called again to dance for the men in the black animal masks.

Bianca sighs. “I pity whoever wins.”

I don’t say anything. I’m already thinking about what it would be like to be the one who does.

To have that kind of money.

To finally,finally,be free.

And suddenly, I know exactly where I’ll be tonight.

8

LYRA

The Barone mansion is ridiculous.

It’s not just big—it’s opulent in that old-world, aristocratic Italian way. All stone and carved balconies, vast windows that reflect the city lights, stairs leading up to massive double doors that probably alone cost more than my rent.

I’ve walked by it before—I mean the thing isrightacross the street from the 79thstreet entrance to Central Park. I just never realized thatthiswas the Barone house.

God DAMN, Bianca…

Now that I’m here, standing in the grand marble foyer, trying not to gawk at the high ceilings and gold accents, I wonder if I’ve made a mistake.

This house doesn’t feel like a home.

It feels like a fortress.

And right now, I amwildlyout of place.

After giving my name to a man in a suit with an iPad, I glance around, taking stock of the competition. Most of them are mafia, that much is obvious. Polished, poised, wearing expensive dresses. In the criminal world, marrying into the Barone empire would be ahugeconnection for any family. So they’ve sent their daughters.

Some huddle together in small clusters, whispering and gossiping, picking at manicured fingernails. Others sit alone, reading the room with sharp gazes.

I’m honestly debating turning around and leaving when I hear a familiar voice behind me.

“Lyra?”

Mother. Fucker.

Milena.

I cringe, my stomach twisting. Just showing up here was already hell on my anxiety. But bumping into someone I know?

Shoot me.

With a groan, I force a neutral expression on my face and turn to face her.

She looks me up and down. “Okay, explain. What thehellare you doing here?”

“What are…youdoing here?”

Truly masterful reply, self.

She gestures to the crowd of girls in the living room.

“To watch the absolutetrain wreckof this night unfold,” she giggles quietly, leaning into me. "Same as you, I assume?"

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