Page 75 of Honeythorn
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They held hands as they entered the ballroom, barely able to look around before Katerina and Gianna swooped down on them.
“Jack is already here, making an utter fool of himself,” Katerina said in disgust.
Gianna nodded. “He knows that he’s only here for the scandal he brings with him and is making the most of it. So uncouth.”
Milan snorted. “Let him dig himself into a hole. Our advantage is that he undermines and utterly misunderstands what Raphael means to these lands and her people.”
Milan remembered at the start when, no matter how miserable he was, people still told him Raphael was a good man. If anybody would win on good reputation, it would be Raphael.
They had agreed beforehand that Raphael could make the rounds with Gianna and speak as if all was normal with people—not that Raphael normally spoke to many, but they would all be eager to have a second of his time. Meanwhile, Katerina and Milan could do the dirty work, being much more adept at it. That way, if Raphael’s character was questioned, it could not be said that he had been bad-mouthing Jack. An exasperated husband would be quite different, however, and Milan could play the pitying Omega like no other.
And so Katerina and he glided around the room as if they were dancing with Jack—always keeping their distance, but muddying any trail he might have left.
“Oh, poor thing,” Milan would simper. “He came begging at the manor the other day—he’s been kicked out by his latest Alpha.”
Katerina would shake her head sadly and lean in. “Gambling problems,” she would whisper loudly, and all in attendance would shake their heads and tut.
“And Lord Ledford, with all he has on his plate,” one of the listeners would exclaim. “For shame.”
After a few successful conversations, and a glaring Jack across the room, Katerina and Milan smiled at each other widely.
“A drink?” Milan offered gallantly.
“Oh, please. I’ve just spotted Mister White—he’s a terrible gossip. Find me there.”
Milan laughed as they parted, making his way towards the refreshments.
If he could, Milan would ruin Jack’slife.
“Well, hello there. You look in good spirits,” Jason said, appearing suddenly. Milan jumped slightly before chuckling.
“I didn’t see you there. Yes, quite a splendid ball, isn’t it?”
“Well…actually, there is something I believe I should warn you about.”
Milan’s heart stuttered. “About?”
“Jack.”
Milan pressed his lips together. “How do you know about him? What do you know?”
“I’m afraid I will get in trouble if I tell you, Milan. He’s far more powerful than you think he is.”
No. What had they missed? “Please, Jason. You must tell me.”
Jason looked around. “All right. But, please, you must leave my name out of it.”
“Of course.”
“Quickly, then, before he sees us.”
Milan let himself be led out of a side door, but Jason didn’t stop there. “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere safe.”
“Safe? What do you mean?” Milan said, getting a sick feeling in his stomach. Something wasn’t right. He tried to turn around to look at Jason, who was urging him forwards.
