Page 31 of The Sound Of Silence

I watch them and consider her question before deciding to play along. I could use the distraction.“I’m going to guess it’s a new relationship,” I say, referring to the affectionate and comfortable way he holds her, but also the fact they’re not looking at one another. Instead they’re both focused on the other couples around the room.“The chemistry is there but they’re still a little nervous around each other.”

“Oooh, that could be—”

“Wrong. It’s wrong,” a voice says from above my head, drawing my eyes toward the sound. The first thing I notice are his bright, ocean-blue irises, before my gaze roams over his face, taking in his striking features. I don’t recognize him at all, and yet, I get this unexplained feeling when our eyes lock.What is going on with me?

“Okay, then, what’s the correct answer?” Pippa asks, never one to shy away from a new friend.

Gripping the back of my chair, he leans over and stares at the couple, whispering his response. “They’ve been married for almost two decades and are close to getting divorced.”

Well then, it seems I was way off. “I take it you know them.”

“Never seen them before in my life,” he deadpans, and I actuallylaugh. Something that’s rare these days. “I’m kidding,” he says with a playful expression. “The guy’s my uncle. And what I said is absolutely true.”

“And we believe you,” Pippa cuts in with an almost flirtatious smile, raising even more questions.What’s that about? Am I right about her and Jesse?

Our new friend winks her way, before turning back toward me, his nose brushing against my cheek as he offers me his full attention. “I’m Alex, by the way. And since I helped solve your little mystery, how about a dance?”

I look to Pip, begging her for an out, but of course, she throws me under the bus by enthusiastically nodding. “Go on. It might be fun.”

Biting back a remark, I allow Alex to pull me to my feet and follow him to the polished floor, joining the other partygoers in an upbeat dance.

The fast pace of the song means it doesn’t feel intimate between us, and as much as I hate to admit it, it’s not too long before I’m actually smiling. Which is probably why when the song ends I don’t immediately walk away like planned.Something I instantly regret.

The tempo slows and Alex smiles down at me as he curls his hand around my back, pulling us close together.

When our bodies crash, I want to make a run for it, but don’t really have a valid reason.Unless you count the fact that I’m really freaking uncomfortable.

Offering him a tight-lipped grin, I accept the inevitable and take a deep breath before slowly raise my hands to his neck. I only hesitate for the briefest moment, but it’s long enough for someone to catch hold of my wrist and spin me away from Alex’s grasp.

“Mind if I cut in?” Jesse says, and my jaw drops as he steps between us, locking Alex in a stare-down.He hasn’t been on the dance floor once, not even with Pippa.

“Yeah, I do mind." Alex puffs his chest and steps forward. "We’re kind of in the middle of something,” he counters, pushing Jesse to the side as he reaches for me, neither of them noticing my annoyed expression. “Wait your turn,” he adds, roughly gripping my hand before raising it to his shoulder, securing his palm at my waist. I don’t like the way he manhandles me, but I also don’t want to shy away. Especially in front of Jesse.

“My mistake,” Jesse says from behind me, suddenly calm, confusing the hell out of me. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

What?

I want to scream…So why did you?But instead, I ignore him, letting Alex take the lead.

We’ve just started to move when I’m pulled away again and spun around until protective hands lock me in place, his grip almost possessive.

“Touch her again and I will end you,” Jesse seethes, his anger exploding completely out of nowhere.

“Why?” Alex goads him. “Is it because…” He falls quiet, and I’m not sure if he mouthed something or stopped speaking altogether because of Jesse’s stare. Not that it matters either way.

I should leave, walk away from both of them, but the feel of Jesse’s hand locked around my waist and his deep raspy tone have me making all the wrong choices.

Jesse doesn’t move for a beat, and I know it’s because he’s still locked in a battle of wills with Alex. It’s not until his murderous expression fades that I release a breath, though I have no idea what comes next.

“Good decision,” Jesse mumbles, and I chance a look over my shoulder, catching Alex as he weaves through the sea of oblivious dancers, disappearing out of sight.

Reality hits at that moment, and I snap out of my Jesse-induced trance, blinking a few times as I do. I shouldn’t be happy here. I’ve just moved from one bad situation to another, and I actually think this one’s worse. Pushing against his chest, I try to free myself from his tight clasp, but it’s pointless as he holds strong.

“What the hell was that?” I whisper-yell, teeth clenched to force a smile on my face, determined not to draw attention.

Without even flinching, Jesse’s grip on me tightens as he moves me around, keeping in time with the music. “Eyes on me, Buttercup,” he says, forcing a smile himself. “Just dance and keep up the charade. It’s what you’re good at.”

I open my mouth to tell him to fuck off, but curiosity gets the better of me and I give in, doing as he asked.

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