Page 17

The intensity in his gaze made something flutter in my chest, something dangerous and hopeful that I immediately tried to squash. This wasn't real. It couldn't be. He was a demon, I was his contract holder, and when this weekend was over we went back to the real world.

The thought lodged painfully in my chest, and I took another sip of champagne to wash it down. This was getting too complicated, too confusing. I needed to remember the parameters of our arrangement.

"Rosie!" A familiar, overly cheerful voice broke through my thoughts. Stephany appeared beside us, resplendent in a blush-pink gown that probably cost more than three months of my rent. "There you are! I've been looking all over for you."

I seriously doubted that, but I plastered on a smile anyway. "Stephany. Congratulations again. The party is beautiful."

She preened, tossing her perfectly highlighted hair over one shoulder. "Isn't it? Roger's family spared no expense." She turned to Aldaine, her smile becoming noticeably more genuine. "And Aldaine, you look absolutely dashing tonight. That suit is Armani, isn't it?"

"Good eye," he replied smoothly, his arm tightening almost imperceptibly around my waist.

"I know my designers," Stephany gave a little laugh that set my teeth on edge. "Actually, Rosie, I was hoping to introduce you to some old family friends. They just arrived and were asking about you. "

I frowned slightly. "Old family friends? Who?"

"The Harringtons," she raised a brow as she spoke, as if that should mean something to me. "They're dying to see you again. It's been years, apparently."

I searched my memory but came up blank. Then again, there had been so many society functions over the years, so many introductions that had blended together.

"Oh, um, sure," I hesitantly glanced up at Aldaine.

"I'll come with you," he offered immediately, his expression neutral but his eyes watchful.

"Oh, no need!" Stephany's hand shot out, grabbing my arm with surprising force. "It'll just take a moment, and I'm sure Aldaine doesn't want to be bored with old family stories." She turned to Aldaine with a dazzling smile. "I promise I'll bring her right back."

Before either of us could protest further, she was pulling me away from Aldaine's side, her grip on my arm just shy of painful.

I looked back over my shoulder to see a tall, distinguished-looking man approach Aldaine, clapping him on the shoulder with the familiarity of an old acquaintance.

Aldaine's expression shifted subtly—recognition, followed by what appeared to be resignation.

"Who is that?" I asked as Stephany led me through the crowd.

"Hmm? Oh, that's Mr. Blackwood. Some finance type. I think he and Aldaine have done business together." She waved dismissively. "The Harringtons are just over here by the fountain."

We wove through clusters of elegantly dressed guests, the fairy lights beginning to glow more brightly as the golden hour deepened toward dusk. Stephany's pace was brisk, purposeful, and I had to hurry to keep up with her in my heels.

"Steph, slow down a bit," I protested as we reached the far edge of the party where a long table had been set up with elaborate desserts. "I don't see anyone waiting here."

She released my arm and glanced around, her brow furrowing. "Huh. They were right here a minute ago." She smoothed down her dress, avoiding my eyes. "Let me just go find them. Wait right here, okay? I'll be right back with them."

Something about her tone made me uneasy. "Stephany.."

"Just wait here," she was already backing away. "I'll be right back."

And then she was gone, disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone at the edge of the party.

I shifted uncomfortably, suddenly very aware of how far I was from the main gathering.

The table beside me was laden with exquisite pastries and chocolates, but my appetite had vanished, replaced by a gnawing sense of unease.

I glanced back toward where I'd left Aldaine, but couldn't spot him through the sea of guests.

Mr. Blackwood must have pulled him into some intense conversation.

I debated going back, but what if the Harringtons really were looking for me?

And after Jan had been so unexpectedly kind earlier, maybe Stephany was genuinely trying to be nicer too?

The rational part of my brain scoffed at that idea. When had Stephany ever done anything that wasn't ultimately self-serving?

I checked my watch. Five minutes passed. Then ten. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, painting the sky in dramatic strokes of orange and purple. The fairy lights twinkled more prominently now, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the party.

No sign of Stephany. No sign of these mysterious Harringtons. And a sinking feeling in my stomach that I'd been played, yet again.

But for what purpose? What could Stephany possibly gain by isolating me at the edge of her own engagement party ?

Had Stephany just wanted to separate me from Aldaine? Why? What was she planning?

The worst part was, I didn't want to cause a scene. Not after Jan had actually apologized to me, not when things with my father were finally feeling somewhat normal again. Creating drama would only confirm every negative thing Stephany had ever said about me.

So I waited, nursing my champagne, trying to look casual and unbothered instead of increasingly anxious. I could handle whatever Stephany was planning. I wasn't the same insecure teenager she'd hurt all those years ago.

But as the minutes ticked by and the sky darkened further, that uneasy feeling only grew stronger.

I felt a presence behind me before I heard his voice, that same arrogant tone that used to make my teenage heart flutter but now just made my skin crawl.

"Well, well. If it isn't little Rosie, all grown up." Roger's cologne was overpowering as he stepped closer, invading my personal space. "Though I guess 'little' isn't quite the right word, is it?" He was drunk based on the way his words slurred together.

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to maintain composure. "Roger. Shouldn't you be with your fiancée?"

"Oh, Steph's busy with the guests." His smile was all teeth, predatory. "Thought I'd come check on you. Make sure you weren't feeling too lonely out here by yourself after she left you here like a little lost lamb."

His hand brushed against my arm and I jerked away, my skin crawling. "I'm fine. Aldaine will be here any minute."

Roger's laugh was ugly. "Right. Your new boyfriend. Got to say, I'm impressed. How'd a girl like you land someone like him? Must be using the same tricks you tried on me back in high school. "

"Excuse me?" My voice came out sharper than intended, anger finally overtaking discomfort.

"Come on, Rosie." His fingers wrapped around my wrist, tight enough that it hurt. "We both know you were always eager to please. Spreading your legs for any guy who gave you a second glance. Trying to make up for," his eyes raked over my body with deliberate cruelty, "other shortcomings."

I yanked my arm free, fury and hurt warring in my chest. "You're disgusting. And still the same insecure little boy who needs to tear others down to feel important." Not to mention the lies he was spewing. He was the only boy I'd slept with in high school.

His expression darkened. "Careful, Rosie. You're not as special as you think you are. I mean, look at you." He stepped closer, backing me against the hedge. "Still the same fat bitch who just craves attention."

"Get your hands off me!" I shoved him back, my voice rising. "You're pathetic, you know that? And Stephany deserves better than you even if she's a bitch!"

His hand shot out, grabbing my upper arm with bruising force. "Listen here, you little, —"

"I believe," a low, dangerous voice interrupted, "that the lady told you to remove your hands."