as my anger simmers just below the surface. I want to drive out into Haven territory and call Creed out. I want to drag him over the invisible line and give him a taste of his own medicine. But I don’t. I know if I do it, I’ll only start a war.
And that’s not what Nesrin needs to see.
“You know she’s caught his eye,” Cass warns, his tone turning darker. I nod. Last night was just the first of what I can assume would be many chances that Creed would take. Even though we’ve kept the peace, ensuring appearances come across to others as peaceful, as if we’re still all friends, we’re not.
It’s been a long time since we could have called ourselves friends.
“He won’t fuck with her. I’ll make sure of it.”
“What about La Ball Masqué?” Cassian’s question causes my body to lock in fury. My hands fist at my sides, and I know I’m going to have to take her there. The town would’ve already heard about my father’s wedding, and they would now know that I have Nesrin at the house. News travels fast in this town.
If I take her, I’m making a statement to the Havens. They’ll read into it, and I don’t know if I can follow through with what’s needed. Creed will throw out a challenge if Nesrin is at my side at the dance.
I internally war with myself for a long moment. Silence hangs between us. It’s a reminder that I’m not a man she can be with. This thing between us is not permanent, and whatever I’m feeling for her will bring about destruction to our family.
“She’ll go with me.”
I can almost feel Cassian’s smile at my admission. He knows she’s captured my attention. As much as I want to fight it, I’m losing the battle. I’ve already broken down and kissed her, but then told her it would never happen again, which was a blatant lie, because I don’t know how to keep it platonic between us.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” My brother questions slowly, but there’s a warning in his tone, which causes me to look at him for the first time.
“Probably not,” I answer, honestly, because I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to be anywhere near her. Not when she brings out such a ferocious need inside me.
Cassian and I stare at each other for a long time, before he tells me, “I have to get back to the house and help clean up.”
“I’ll be there shortly.”
He nods and leaves me to my thoughts. The Masked Dance is an event that’s held in the old castle that sits on the hill of our town. Every attendee is under thirty, men go to this to find a partner, a woman for the night, and perhaps longer.
The tradition started so long ago that I’ve lost track of how many of these things there have been. Over the years, it’s morphed into something far more sinister than it was originally created to be.
Every attendee will be masked; it’s the unknown that brings out the darkness of each act that happens in the town. It’s like a sensually erotic version of Cirque Du Soleil. The show takes place in the majestic ballroom that will be decorated in black, gold, and silver.
Once the show comes to an end, music starts, drinks flow, and people disappear into corners of the castle to enjoy the night. I’ve been to a few, I’ve had my experience, and each one has been more malevolent than the last.
By the time I walk into the house again, it’s quiet, indicating that nobody’s home. A loud crash comes from the back of the house, though, forcing my feet into action as I race through the foyer and kitchen to find Nesrin standing over a tray of broken glasses.
Finn and Cassian also make their way in from outside. “What the hell?” Finn chuckles.
“I’m so sorry. I slipped; the floor was wet.” Nesrin looks like she’s close to tears, and I find myself at her side in seconds. Her body shakes, and I pull her into my arms, without thinking. Her body, once more, molds to mine, and when I meet Cassian’s arched, questioning brow, I know I’m fucked.
“It’s fine,” I tell her, pulling her toward the door, gesturing with my chin toward the shards. “Clean that up, Finn.” I lead Nesrin toward the bathroom. Inside, I lift her onto the counter, and I’m surprised she allows me