Page 7 of Rayna's Daddy

“Don’t jump.”

I gasped and turned around.

“It’s not worth it. I’m pretty sure you can’t fly.” He smirked and looked over the balcony. The desert air was clean and pure. I inhaled and exhaled, trying to calm my racing heart.

“What are you doing at this party?” He asked. I frown and move to the other side of the balcony. He better keep his distance. He was handsome, with dark hair, and a well-trimmed beard. He seemed so nice. Scary, but nice. What was he doing at a party like this?

“I don’t know.” I whispered. I couldn’t look at him. My heart hurt, along with my head. The hem of my dress rode up with each step. I kept pushing it down. The single curl kept falling down the middle of my face. I give up and let it fall. The man in front of me, stood there studying me like I am a piece of merchandise.

“How did you get here?” He stepped forward.

I stepped back.

A frown spread across his face. He rubbed his beard.

“Rayna.”

“How do you know my name?” I glared up at him.

“That’s what your friend, Natalie called you.” He crossed his arms across his chest. “I asked you a question.”

What question?

Focus Rayna. You need to figure out how to get out of here. I didn’t know what was going on, but I did know this was way above my speed. I look around for Natalie. She is speaking to an older man and pointing at me.

“Have you been to a party like this before?” The mysterious man's voice lowered questioningly.

Natalie walked with the man over to her father, who had re-entered the room. I witnessed a lot of nodding and more pointing. What was so interesting about me? Why was everyone pointing?

“Rayna.”

I blinked and reluctantly turned my attention back to the man in front of me. “No.”

“No, what?” What happened to the kindness in his eyes? I missed them.

“I’ve,” I swallowed and pulled my shoulders back. “Of course I have.”

His eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“Now, if you will excuse me.” I adjusted the V-neck on my dress. “I have to get back to the party?” My statement came out more like a question. I stepped toward the door. He stepped aside. Oddly enough, he didn’t try to stop me. No matter. I’d find my way back to Natalie’s room and hide out until she was done.

I stepped up into the main room. Natalie grabbed me immediately and handed me a glass.

“Here, drink this.” She smiled. “It will help you relax.”

“I think I want to go.” My voice sounded weak.

“No, have one drink with me.” She guided the glass to my lips. I took a sip. It didn’t calm my nerves. I drank the rest, sighed and handed it back to her.

“I’m — “

“Rayna.” Mr. Santorini called from the middle of the room, where he and the older gentleman were huddled together. I waved. He motioned for me to come over to him. My feet remain glued to the floor. I looked back for the man on the balcony, but he was gone. Disappointment flooded me. While his expressions were stern, he made me feel safe. Well, safer than in Mr. Santorini’s clutches. Mr. Santorini didn’t wait for me to come to him. He shuffled towards me. His gate wobbled under all his weight.

“Come. I’d like to show you the rest of the penthouse.” He draped his arm across my shoulder, steering me towards an open hallway. His arm was so heavy it caused me to slouch from the deadweight.

“I think I’ve seen enough.” I whispered.

“Nonsense.” He squeezed my shoulder. “Natalie said you loved books. Let me at least show you the library.”

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