She turns toward the door, pauses with her hand on the handle.
“Oh, and Emma? That dress is lovely. Emerald really is Kaiden's favorite color.” A cruel smile. “On all his companions.”
The door swings shut behind her.
I stare at my reflection. The happy woman from five minutes ago is gone. Replaced by someone pale and shaking.
Hammond. Alexander Hammond.
Everything I thought I knew shatters like glass.
I don't know how long I stand there before I can make myself move.
The ballroom feels different when I return. The lights too bright. The laughter too sharp. I scan the crowd, find Kai near the bar, his back to me.
Then I see it.
The moment he spots Brianna across the room. His entire body changes. Shoulders squaring. Spine straightening. The easy charm vanishing, replaced by something cold and hard.
He looks dangerous. He looks like a stranger.
Logan leans in, murmurs something. Kai nods sharply, jaw clenched so tight I can see the muscle jumping from here.
I grab a champagne flute from a passing waiter, drain it in one go. It does nothing to steady my nerves.
“Enjoying the party?” Ethan appears beside me, gray eyes sharp.
“Who is he?” The question comes out before I can stop it.
Ethan's expression doesn't change. “I'm not sure what you mean.”
“Brianna told me. About the Hammonds. About who Kai really is.” I turn to face him. “Is it true? Is he Alexander Hammond?”
Ethan is silent for a long moment. Then sighs, runs a hand over his jaw.
“It's not my story to tell, Emma.”
“That's not an answer.”
“No,” he agrees. “It's not.” His eyes meet mine, something like sympathy in their depths. “Talk to him. Let him explain.”
I look across the room at Kai. He's found me in the crowd, brow furrowed with concern. He starts toward me.
“Emma.” He reaches for my arm. “What's wrong? You look?—“
“We need to talk.” I keep my voice low. Controlled. “Now.”
Something in my tone makes him pause. He nods, guides me toward a quiet alcove near the service entrance.
Logan and Ethan follow without being asked, position themselves casually between us and the rest of the ballroom. A wall of expensive suits blocking curious eyes.
“Who are you?” I ask quietly, voice barely above a whisper but sharp as a blade.
Kai's hand falls away from my arm. “What?”
“Who are you, Kaiden? Or should I call you Alexander?”
The color drains from his face.
