Page 173 of Midnights
The music softens and a hush ripples through the ballroom as a woman steps forward with a mic in hand.
It’s Kane’s dance partner from earlier.
Up close, she's even more stunning. She has short blonde hair that's styled to perfection, and she's wearing a deep emerald gown that hugs every inch of her. Her white mask has gold accents on it that make her look like some untouchable goddess, and she belongs on a throne rather than a dance floor. And the worst part is, she doesn't even have to try to command the room. Just lifting the mic is enough to silence everyone, like they're all waiting on her next word. She might be small, but she radiates authority.
I like her already.
“Thank you all for coming and supporting this event,” she begins, her voice echoing through the room. “We always have so much fun putting this together every year. This is such a special night, and we couldn’t do it without all of you.”
She has the room hanging on her every word. Then her lips curve into something mischievous.
“And of course, I’d like to give a special thanks to my brother,wherever he’s hiding, for all his help, even though he acted like lifting a finger might actually kill him.”
A ripple of laughter spreads through the crowd.
“Okay, I’m kidding,” she continues, grinning. “He’s the reason we all get to enjoy this beautiful space tonight. I hope you’ve all had a fantastic evening, and we can’t wait to see you again next year. As things wind down, if you need a ride, just let security know on your way out.”
A wave of applause sweeps through the room, the cheers follow as the finality of her words settles in.
I glance at Kane watching his expression soften slightly, but there’s something in his eyes as he watches her. Somethingwarm.
It’s stupid, really. Why should I care how he looks at her? She’s clearly incredible, and beautiful, and the connection between them is obvious.
Still, no matter how much I tell myself itshouldn’tmatter, the flicker of jealousy snakes through me, unbidden and unwelcome.
The applause lingers, and she exits the way she came.
“So… does that mean it’s over already?” I murmur to no one in particular. A wave of disappointment slips into my tone.
Kane chuckles beside me.
“Aye, we’re winding down,” he says, keeping his voice low. “But we’ve got another hour before they start ushering people out.”
I glance at him, raising a brow, mildly impressed.Guess he really does know how these events go.
Rachel links her arm through Cam’s, flashing him a grin that could melt stone. “Cam, how about that private tour you promised?”
He arches a brow, looking at Kane.
“Aye, I think I can manage that.” He bends into an exaggerated bow before guiding Rachel off into the crowd.
“Bye to you, too?!” I call after her, though I can’t stop the laugh that slips out.
Rachel just waves over her shoulder, her laugh tangling with the music as she disappears with Cam.
I turn back to Kane, catching the soft chuckle that escapes him. His gaze lands on my lip and his laughter fades instantly.
I roll my eyes, slapping his arm. “Oh, quit worrying,” I tease. “I clearly survived.”
He looks down at where I touched him, then back up at me. His lips curl at the corner like he already knows exactly where this is headed.
“Violent little thing, aren’t you?”
His voice drops lower, edged with something darker. Suddenly, the air feels a little too thin.
I can't help but laugh. A real, unfiltered laugh. And suddenly, I can’t stop. My body shakes with it, every last ounce of tension threatening to spill out in a ridiculous, breathless giggle. If only he knew.
Kane’s brow lifts slightly, and I press a hand over my mouth, willing myself to get it together. Maybe this is the adrenaline crashing, or maybe my body just doesn’t know how to handle the impossible heat rolling off him like a silent challenge.
