The Sinners - Ruby Vincent Page 0,94

stairs.

“Ember, honestly,” said Violet. “Would it have hurt you to put some lipstick on at least?”

“Very possible.”

She whirled on my uncle. “Just listen to her, Harry. Every reply a smart-aleck remark. Do you see what I endure all day? You’re at work and I have to put up with this behavior.”

“Ember, apologize to your aunt!”

Neither of us were in a good mood as we piled in the car and set off for the country club. We rolled to a stop next to the valet stand and I tapped Eli’s arm for his attention. He lit up as I pulled out my tablet.

“Find an empty room and enjoy yourself. I’ll bring up a plate.”

Eli split from us in the lobby. Skipping out on this party was basically another Christmas gift.

I watched him go with regret, worry, that steel-rooted protectiveness, and a wish I could change what was going to happen.

Gliding into the ballroom was like melting into a snow globe—almost literally. Fake snow fell from the ceiling, dusting the silver tablecloths and Christmas tree centerpieces. All around me a picture of wealth, class, and grace reflected in the gorgeous gowns, bright smiles, and gushing conversations of trips to Aspen and the Seychelles.

I wanted to take a hammer to it. Shatter the glass and expose the snow globe for what it held. A fantasy.

All eyes flew to me, the vision in red, but my eyes were on him. How did Royal convince himself he was someone who could blend in? Women lingered on his chiseled features and raven hair even softer than it looked. Men watched him move with power and authority and flashed jealousy they couldn’t hide. And when he saw me through the sea of people and grinned, the impact knocked everyone within ten feet of him on their asses.

He set down his glass and headed toward me. A silver suit and tie suddenly blocked my view.

“Remember,” Nolan hissed. “You find out which car he’s going for, tell him you’ll distract the valet and then meet me upstairs.”

“I remember, but feel free to tell me for the thirty-fifth time.”

Nolan walked off muttering something about sarcastic bitches.

Royal took his place. He jerked a chin at Nolan’s back. “What did he want?”

“Nothing important,” I said. “You look very dapper.”

Royal’s hair was slicked back and his crisp black suit hung on tight.

“Never been called dapper before.”

“Keep strutting around looking like that and you’ll hear it all night.”

He laughed. “Come on. It’s a good time now that it’s packed.”

I took his outstretched hand. We parted the party, collecting curious and appreciative looks as we passed through to the terrace.

“Just like last time,” he said. “Stay close to me. Head low. And—”

“Royal, you don’t have to do this,” I blurted. “Not for me. Not for my brother. You’re risking too much.”

“It’s the same risk I’ve taken many times,” he said. “It’s a risk I’d take if I had a good reason or not. This time I do.” Royal cupped my chin in the way I loved. “It’ll be okay.”

“I’m scared it won’t be. Just in case...” I swallowed hard. “I’ll distract the valet while you do it. Angle him away so he doesn’t notice a car leaving the lot.”

He raised a brow. “If I do most of the work, I get most of the pay.”

“Distraction is plenty of work. That’s got to cut me in for a good chunk.”

Royal responded to my joke by putting his arm around my shoulder and leading us off. We made our loop, walking close and intimate like lovers.

“There,” he whispered. “The Infiniti. Second to last in the back. I’ll give it another twenty minutes. Do one more loop. Then I’ll take it.”

“Okay.”

Royal and I returned to the party.

Twenty minutes.

That’s how long I had.

Dancing wasn’t on the menu for me. The waiters may as well have been carrying actual slow-roasted feet. The sight of food was turning me off.

I found a table in the corner and texted Eli. I’d prefer to run down the clock with him in person, but orders were I stay in Nolan’s sight.

Twenty minutes on the dot, Royal passed by my table. “It’s time. Let’s see how much your distraction game is worth.”

I rose from my seat and exited the ballroom. Striding past the front doors and the valet, I texted Nolan.

Me: It’s time.

I went upstairs and blew past room after room until I found the right one. It was a smaller, cozier space. A half a dozen armchairs formed a semicircle on the carpet and