Page 151 of Midnights
Rachel tilts her chin up, offering him a polite but carefully measured smile. “Thank you, and yes, we are. What about you?”
Her tone is controlled. But I know her well enough to catch the unspoken edge. The man’s predatory gaze drags over her before coming back to me with the same unreadable glint in his eyes.
“Oh,” he murmurs. “I have a feeling the night is just getting started.”
His unsettling smile doesn’t waver or slip. But before I can respond, two more men step up beside him. Their attention is locked onto us, like they’ve just stumbled across their next conquest.
I wonder if they are his friends, or just more guys looking to chat?
The first to speak is the tall blonde, flashing a grin so smooth it might as well come with a warning label.
“Don't the two of you look absolutely dazzling tonight,” his British accent is smooth and rich with an effortless charm.
Rachel and I exchange a look and I can already see the wheels turning in her head.
“Where are you gentlemen from?”
The playful blonde leans in slightly, grinning. “London,” he answers. “And you?”
“Oooh, London boys! How positively dashing!” Rachel croons, her British accent damn near perfect. She even adds a ridiculous curtsy for good measure, drawing a low chuckle from the brunette to his right.
I choke back a laugh. This girl is unhinged, and I love her for it.
“Not bad,” he muses, eyes twinkling as he extends his hand. “For an American. Care to dance?”
Rachel doesn’t hesitate. She looks at me, checking in, and I roll my eyes, nudging her forward.
“Go.”
“I’d love to,” she grins, letting him lead her onto the dance floor, vanishing into the sea of swirling gowns and masked strangers.
Which leaves me with the remaining two.
They both shift slightly, opening their mouths at the exact same time.
“Would you—”
They exchange a glance and I burst into laughter, unable to contain myself.
“Rock, paper, scissors?” I suggest with a grin. “Winner gets the first dance.”
Their expressions are priceless. It's the perfect mix of amusement and disbelief. “You should see your faces right now.” Another laugh slips out.
To my absolute delight, they recover quickly. Without hesitation, they go straight for it.
Rock. Paper. Scissors.
Mr. Mysterious lands on rock.
The friend stares at his defeated hand, shaking his head slightly before retreating with a small, amused smirk.
“Looks like I’m the lucky one.” The mystery man says, stepping closer. He extends his hand, and I can see his eyes gleaming behind his mask with the same twisted smile.
“Would you do me the honor, love?”
A ripple of anticipation skates through me as I place my hand in his, offering a polite smile. “Lead the way.”
The music swells and my partner moves with precision and practiced ease. But beneath it all, I feel an odd chill snake down my spine, prickling my skin like invisible hands brushing too close.
