Page 48 of Deceived

Ah, I guess they’re elite pricks.

It’s an awkward dinner full of silence while these people eat silently.

A hand lands on my shoulder making me jump as I finish up my desert.

“Anna darling! Is that you?” A sweet female voice asks.

I turn in my chair to see Nicoli’s mom and her mates gathered behind my chair.

I jump up and hug her.

“How are you?” I ask.

She smiles. “Well. How is it you’re here but my son couldn’t be bothered?” Her words are affectionate, like she thinks it’s sweet he stayed home with his mate.

“I think we both know this isn’t their group’s idea of a good time,” I whisper.

She throws her head back and laughs.

“Well, we should go politic with these people. Let’s see each other soon in a more fun scene.”

Their group leaves after another quick hug.

The woman at our table gives me an appraising look after the Ashfords leave.

“Those are the Ashfords,” she says.

“You’re right,” I respond before digging back into my desert.

The woman huffs but one of her mates gains her attention and they start whispering.

Finally, dinner is over and we can get up.

Griffyn immediately takes me to the dance floor and spins me around.

“That dinner was awful,” he whispers.

“I much prefer dinners that are just the five of us,” I say.

Of course, Rion pops into my head making me think it should be the six of us.

“I’ve never enjoyed one of these until now when I have you here with me,” he leans in close and whispers.

“I can’t imagine being here without you,” I say back.

He leans back and winks before dipping me until my head almost touches the ground.

Felix dances with me next, holding me close to his body. He holds himself with enviable strength and confidence.

“Can I cut in?”

I turn to find Aksel standing there with his hand out. I glance back at Felix who raises an eyebrow. Felix glances around at our surroundings before stepping back.

“Of course. Be good.”

Aksel steps up to me, wrapping one hand around my waist and the other grabs my right hand. He’s an excellent leader as he commands my body into following his.

“To what do I owe this pleasure?” I ask.

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