Page 10 of Tempted By Poison

I look up toward the balcony where Ronan stood previously. It’s only replaced with a woman munching on something while entertaining her guest.

I don’t feel his burning gaze on me anymore, especially when Victor was chatting with me.

“Do you know where the men are?” I ask Mal in my earpiece.

“No. I was going to ask you that.”

An odd twist folds in my chest. I shouldn’t be worried; he's a grown man who can handle himself. No matter, I still can’t help the anxiety lurking around like a snake.

I leave the half full drink on the bar top, now set on looking for Ronan.

“Care for a dance.” I have taken familiarity with the sound of the voice, and it settles uncomfortably in my ears. I can’t ignore him, so I twist back around.

Victor. The mask he chose to wear is the face of a devil or demon? I don’t know, but it’s more than fitting. I force a stiff smile, nausea swirling in my belly. The hardest thing you can do is pretend you appreciate someone's presence. I could say no and walk off. But that may cause more problems than we know.An insecure man is a man you need.They’ll do anything to keep you around, not knowing you’ve been sucking all the information out from underneath them.

“I don’t see why not.”

His shoulder lifts higher. The movement is obvious that I’ve stroked his ego. Stamped it with a heart. I can’t see it, but I can imagine the deep smile on his stupid face.

He extends his hand. I don’t hesitate. I place mine into his, and the bile sitting in my throat works its way up. His hands are cold. And sweaty. Which is such a strange combination. Screams erupt inside of me, knowing I'm touching the man who has killed my brother. I wonder how he would react knowing I’m the sister.

I want to kill him, right now.

The upbeat music in the background flows into my ears, drowning out the threatening sounds of ‘kill him’ in my head.

We walk to the middle of the floor where others are dancing and moving. He stops, tugging me closer to his chest. He wraps an arm around my waist, and I tense.

It’s for the mission.

I place my hand onto his shoulder. Keeping the touch stiff. I don’t want to give him any warmth or affection. The thought of that only makes me sicker.

“How are you enjoying the party?” he speaks in my ear. His hot breath is coal to my skin.

It’s suffocating.“Very extravagant.”

We rock back and forth. “What made you choose a masquerade ball?” I continued, looking in the opposite direction, part of me hoping Ronan would appear.

His clammy hand squeezes mine gently, then grazes his thumb over my knuckle. “I’m expecting a visitor here,” he willingly admits. “It’s one of those hide in plain sight situations.”

Not hiding that well, Mr. Victor. “Aah. Are you a man of enemies?” His other palm moves to my back, skimming over it. My jaw tightens.

“I’m a man of many things. Enemies, yes. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had no enemies.” He brings his face into view of mine.

My eyes skit to his polar black ones. The only thing that gives any color to his platinum mask. It’s creepy as shit, but I’m not afraid, not one bit. It only ignites my drive to gauge them out with my bare hands.

“Sounds like a lonely life.”

A small chuckle comes from his mouth. “We all have to sacrifice something to get to the end. And even then, it’s still never enough.”

I nod. Not willing to respond to his riddles. I continue to sway with him, ensuring not to press too close. I’m so rigid it’s causing my neck to ache.

“Are you familiar with anyone here?” His mouth is near the shell of my ear again.

My heart picks up a beat as I think of something to say. Thank God for Bedford. I swallow the log clogged in my throat.

“I’m family to the Castillo's.” I tip my head to the side of me. An older couple with fair brown skin stands at a high round table, conversing with another couple.

He hums out with a head shake. “I see. I only ask because, surely, I would’ve remembered someone as beautiful as you.”

---