When he got inside, Simon was marching her down the hall. Frowning, Christopher chased after them until they slipped inside one of the rooms.

What he heard from the other side of that door left his blood boiling.

How could Simon speak to Amber like that? He was supposed to be her guardian. He should care for nothing above her happiness, and yet here he was, talking to her like she was nothing more than a piece to be used in a game.

Suddenly the door swung open. Christopher ducked out of sight, watching as Simon went back to the party like nothing was wrong.

CHAPTER12

Christopher tried to focus on the conversation happening around him. He was sure Felicity and whoever else was beside him were talking, but he truly hadn’t heard a word any of them had said.

His eyes kept wandering over to where Amber sat beside that awful man. Her face was a blank mask of forced politeness, nothing like the expressive paintings of emotions he was used to seeing from her during their time together.

It felt wrong seeing her be so calm, so still, and yet at the same time, what could he do?

He knew what he wanted to do, what he needed to do.

He needed to talk to her, but it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to approach her at a time like this. He would need to find another way.

“I wonder what are you staring at?” Felicity asked, her smug, singsong voice snapping him out of his haze.

He blinked in surprise, looking around to find that the group was dispersing. “I don’t know what you are talking about,” he muttered, eyes already sliding back across the room.

“Sure, you don’t.” She rolled her eyes. “You were just standing here without saying a word and staring at an unknown thing across the room for your health, I assume?”

“Just because I wasn’t as chatty as you, doesn’t mean I was just staring out at nothing.”

Felicity smirked. “I never said you were staring at nothing, now, did I?”

“Did you want something, or do you simply want to harass me?”

“I don’t see why I can’t multitask. Harassing you is truly one of the greatest pleasures in life.”

“Then perhaps you should look into finding a hobby of your own.”

“I have plenty; perhaps you should worry about yourself.”

“If you don’t need anything, perhaps it is high past time for you to take a turn about the room.”

“As I already said, I don’t need anything, but I couldn’t help but notice that you seem like you might.” She followed his gaze to where Amber was sitting. “You could even end up having it, if you go talk to her.”

“I don’t want anything from her.”

“No?”

“Of course not. Why would I?”

“That’s what I would love to know.”

“The way you’re talking makes it seem like you’ve already made your mind up.”

“Perhaps I have.”

“And what is it you think I want?”

Felicity smiled and said a single word, “Her.”

“Don’t start. We’ve been over this.”