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He threw me around the ballroom like I was nothing.

“That’s enough,” Lanson said, interrupting us.

I shoved Wolf away from me, embarrassment flushing my cheeks. We hadn’t even completed one dance, but it had been one dance too many.

“I’ll take my date back now.” Lanson stared at Wolf with his jaw set, his fists tightened.

“She’s all yours.” Wolf shot me a glare before leaving, his black angel wings following him out of the ballroom.

Hells.

"Come on. Let's get out of here.” Lanson’s words dripped in lingering lust and jealousy, a dangerous combination.

I felt lust, too, but not in the same way. Not all for Lanson, though I couldn't quite understand it, couldn't quite understand why I kept glancing over Lanson's shoulder, looking for someone else.

Looking for someone who didn't care.

I nodded, giving him the signal to pull me away.

And he did.

I didn't see Wolf again as Lanson guided me, half carrying me out of the ballroom and toward the outdoor gardens.

The cool night air immediately kissed my skin, waking me up.

We were the only ones in sight, the only ones away from the music and the dancing and the clouded judgements.

I finally stepped away from Lanson, who began murmuring about Wolf as he paced back and forth.

Males and their tempers.

“Why do you let him get to you?” I asked. “Hells, Lanson. I came here with you!”

“I don’t like it,” Lanson growled. His hands ran through his hair, messing up the slicked-back locks. “He behaves as if he owns you, Huntyr.”

“Well, he doesn’t.”

“That’s not what it felt like back there.” Lanson shook his head with a scowl.

“What do you want me to say?” I asked. “I’m here with you! I’m not with him!” I had never seen him this way; he dug his fingers into his scalp as if he could bury those thoughts, as if he could bury his anger.

But I could feel it from where I stood; heavy and hot and restless. “Look at me,” I ordered.

Lanson shook his head without turning around, but eventually he pulled his hands away from his hair.

“Look at me,” I repeated, more desperation seeping into the words.

He turned slowly, his eyes hesitating to meet mine.

I wasn’t sure why I needed him to like me. Needed him to want me. Needed him to approve of me, to hate Wolf just as much as I did.

It was a familiar sensation—one I felt daily growing up with Lord. In a world where I didn’t belong, in a world where my own parents were ripped away from me, I wantedsomeoneto long for me. I wantedsomeoneto accept me.

I wanted Lanson toseeme.

Before I could stop myself, I stepped forward and slid my hands up his chest.

He stiffened at first but didn’t back away beneath my touch.