My wine glass shattered.
I spun and gripped the edge of the table as those nearest me gasped.
“You alright?” Everett whispered.
I clenched my jaw. “Let’s just get this night over with.”
31
Devora
It was working. I’d gotten Scarven to notice me. Now…all I had to do was keep him intrigued. Show him I could be his nextproject.
I ignored the heads that swiveled in our direction as Scarven led me to the dance floor. It took all my energy just to keep my knees from giving out. I knew he’d be able to hear my racing heart, but I hoped it could be played off as innocent nerves. He probably liked that sort of thing—fear and admiration went hand in hand.
I swallowed and took a breath as he pulled me closer, one hand splayed possessively across my lower back. He smiled, a hint of his fangs digging into his lower lip, his black eyes glittering.
The motion reminded me so much of Nox, and yet…not. Nox was mostly playful. Charming with a hint of danger. No matter how fearsome his dragon form was, no matter how much we despised each other in the beginning, I never truly feltunsafewith him.
Kane Scarven may have had similar mannerisms—the smirk, the sharp teeth, the gleaming eyes. But there was no part of me that felt safe in his presence.
“So, Miss Nyte,” he said as we moved across the dance floorto a slow melody. “Not a lady, as you’ve insisted. And yet you’re traveling with Mysthelm’s nobility?”
“I’m part of the ship’s crew,” I lied. “We’re traveling with the regent families through the provinces.”
“A crewmember,” he said with a chuckle. “Not what I would have expected. And what is your role on the ship?”
“I’m one of the cooks.”
“Ah, I see. Selena Nyte, mysterious cook of the galley. Is the rest of your crew here this evening?”
“Some of them,” I said, my gaze roaming the crowd. “We were given the night off. Many chose the taverns or brothels in town.”
“But not you,” he murmured. “What brought you into my home?”
“Call it curiosity.” I met his eyes. “Or perhaps I just like your food.”
He hummed. “A lamb wandering straight into the lion’s den.”
I laughed softly. “I think you’ll find I’m not a ladyora lamb, my lord.”
His head cocked. Those eyes pierced straight through me, but I refused to squirm. “No, I suppose not,” he said. He extended his arm, and I spun out in time to the music, then landed back in his arms. Both of his hands were on my waist now, and I forced myself to slide mine around his neck.
His voice was close to my ear. “You wear your beauty like an innocent mask, but I see something more. Something lurking beneath.”
Fates, did he already suspect something? My pulse pounded, but I gave him a smirk. “You think I’m beautiful?”
“Youknowyou are. But you also know how to play the game. You knew exactly how to get my attention.” He lowered his head so his nose brushed the tip of my ear, sending an unwelcome shiver down my spine. “Tell me, Miss Nyte, now that you have it…what is it that you want?”
His voice hissed through me, sliding down my spine. I couldn’ttell if he was suspicious, or if this was his way of “playing the game.” Or both. I just had to play along.
“You’re a powerful man, Lord Scarven.” I squeezed his hand that rested on my waist. “Surely I’m not the first person who’s been drawn to that power.”
“So that’s what this is for.” He spun me again, and this time I landed with my back to his chest. “What my power can do for you.”
I licked my lips. “No. Whatwecan do for each other.”
“Let me guess. You need something. Money, perhaps. Or protection. That’s often why people come to me.”
