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“That doesn’t mean you can treat me like this.”

He sighed. “Fine, I’ll talk to you next time. Are you happy now?”

Amber frowned. “As much as I can be, I guess. I’m just disappointed it didn’t work.”

“It was only a first try. It makes sense it didn’t work right out the gate. Don’t worry. It won’t happen again.”

“Better not. I don’t want to have to be close to you more than I have to.”

He snorted. “The feeling’s mutual.”

Amber gleaned back towards the party. “We should get back.”

“Why? Worried someone will notice we’re missing?”

“It’s not that. I just don’t see the point in being alone together if we can’t turn it into a scandal.”

He rolled his eyes. “Right, because that makes sense.”

“I told you?—”

“I know, I know. I don’t need to.” He sighed. “Fine, let’s get back. My sister is probably looking for me by now anyways.”

“I doubt it. I’m sure someone like her is able to find better company.”

“Under ordinary circumstances, perhaps, but here…. Somehow, I doubt that.”

Amber glared. She knew her cousin was bad company, but there were at least a few people here who weren’t the worst. “Is that right?”

“I thought that would be obvious.”

“Then if it’s true, why are you here?”

He smirked. “If you’ve got things you’re choosing to keep to yourself, then so can I.”

She eyed him up. “If that’s how you want to play it, then very well. I won’t pry. To be honest, as interesting as it might be to know, I have other priorities. I can’t afford to get distracted.”

“Right, because you need to be ruined as soon as possible.”

“I know you think you’re mocking me, but the thing is, you’re right. I need this to happen before it's too late.”

He frowned. “I don’t understand, but you don’t need to worry. I said I’ll help you, and I meant it. Just let me know when you want to try again.”

“Thank you. I won’t wait long. I just need tonight to accept that this is finally happening. I will be ready to try again by tomorrow.”

“I don’t doubt that. I’ll keep thinking of the best ways to do it in the meantime.”

“Thank you.”

Then, he turned and headed in the direction of the voices. “Jonathan,” he called, “I was trying to find that painting you told me about, but I think I got a bit turned around.”

For a moment, Amber just stood there, staring at his retreating back. Even after he rounded the corner, she found herself staring at where he once stood.

She shook her head. She knew she needed to get back to the party before others noticed her absence. She’d already been gone long enough.

CHAPTER4

Even though she knew she needed to get back and knew she had already been gone far longer than was proper, it took her a few minutes to convince herself to walk back down the hall. She spent a few minutes taking calming breaths until she felt like herself again.