Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 67479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Did he really just say that and look directly at me?
Miranda eyes me cautiously, but also with a look of hurt etched on her face. She wasn’t expecting that response, but then again, neither was I.
“This is Cressida. She came here straight after work to support me, so you’ll have to excuse her attire.” His gaze sweeps over me briefly before it fixes back on her. And all I can do is stand here in stunned silence while being judged.
Should I correct him? It’s risky because he could end our agreement at any time. I will do a lot of things to get a story, apparently even pretend to be the girlfriend of an obnoxious jerk. Go figure!
“Oh, that explains your lack of formal wear. I was surprised they let you in. Maybe they thought you were one of the workers.” She laughs.
“So what if I were?” I question with a fake smile etched on my face.
She waves a dismissive hand at me. Then, without a care that his “girlfriend” is standing right next to him, she touches him again in a more-than-friendly manner. I notice his subtle flinch, and it’s so clear he doesn’t want her touch any more than I want to be here.
He once again shifts away from beneath her hand, and she brings it up to rest on her chest, where the swell of her breasts presses against the neckline of her top, a deliberate display of soft skin framed by the low dip of fabric meant to draw attention. I know she’s waiting for his gaze to drop, for that flicker of male interest she’s used to commanding. But it doesn’t happen. His eyes stay on her face, unbothered, and, unreadable. Then slowly, he scans the room, his gaze skimming over me before settling back on her.
“You must excuse us; I’m needed.”
Without even glancing back, he reaches for me, his hand finding mine easily. His palm is so much larger than mine, and his grip is firm and unyielding. I try to pull away, but it’s useless as he leads me away from Miranda. I go because, really, what else am I supposed to do? Under normal circumstances, I’d kick him or tell him exactly where to shove it, but this isn’t normal. I’m standing in a room full of prominent people in my field whom I want to impress, and every one of them is watching.
So, I let him drag me over to someone I recognize but don’t really know personally—Arlo Graves. A highly respected therapist. Probably one of the most sought-after among the extremely wealthy.
“I see you brought company. Did you not tell her about the dress code?” Arlo drawls.
Soren spares me a look, and I know he can see the flush of embarrassment on my cheeks as I once again try to pull my hand from his.
“Cressida, is that you?” I turn my head to watch Cora approaching in a stunning light-pink dress and bright-pink heels. “It’s been too long. How is work?”
Soren stares at me, waiting for me to speak.
“Good” is all I can give her in reply.
“Are you crashing the party?” Cora asks.
The last time I crashed one of the parties, I used Arlo’s interest in her as my way in. Now they’re together and clearly happy, as evidenced by her bright smile while his hand skates around her waist, and he pulls her against his side.
I’ve warned her about their reputations and that of the Forsaken. About how people have mysteriously gone missing. And while no evidence points to them, I know their secret little Society has something to do with it.
“You could say I was dragged here.” I smile and lift the hand that is still clasped in Soren’s.
SIX
SOREN
The reason I invited Cressida is that I needed a buffer from Miranda. The woman has been messaging me all week, telling me how excited she is to see me again. I’ve never given Miranda any indication that I’m interested in her, even though she’s thrown up every sign that she is interested in me. The Society has asked me to play nice. That means no bloodshed or tears being spilled because she is important to some, as their lawyer. So, I have resorted to using Cressida instead.
She is well-connected—there’s absolutely no denying that—and she’s a brilliant lawyer I’ve hired many times. We have lawyers in the Forsaken, of course. But we recently had to end the life of our go-to attorney. He’d become too cocky and too high and mighty for his own good. So, I’ve had to use Miranda for some contract work, and now she won’t stop.
While I can admit she’s a beautiful woman, I’m not interested in her in the least. When she touches me, even on the shoulder, it feels wrong. I have never been, and will not ever be, in a serious relationship with anyone. If I’m forced to marry because of the Forsaken’s rules, it will be strictly transactional, with no feelings involved. I’ve seen too many people do stupid things because they’ve fallen in love. It’s ridiculous. It’s like they lose half their fucking brain.