Because this is a minefield dressed up as civility. To refuse would ignite suspicion, whispers, even headlines.
Lydia and her ladies wait, watching.
I smile, practiced and polite. "Of course, Mr. Hawthorn. For old times' sake."
Kayden grips me once, hard, then releases when Asher lays a steadying hand on his shoulder.
I slip my hand into Darius's. His touch is cool, commanding, his satisfaction palpable. Together we step toward the dance floor, every eye tracking us.
As soon as we step onto the floor, he pulls me close. Not improper—he wouldn't risk that—but close enough to stake his claim. One hand takes mine, the other hovers at my lower back. No skin-to-skin. Still, I can practically feel Kayden seething, Asher radiating cold dread from the edge of the crowd.
Gods, please let the younger brother keep his fangs sheathed.
"You know exactly what you're doing," I murmur, my smile fixed as we move with the music.
"Dancing," he answers, his eyes smoldering into mine.
"Did you orchestrate this whole charade just for a dance?"
"You look beautiful," he says instead. "Painfully so." For the briefest flicker, there's something raw in his gaze.
I keep my silence as we glide. His movements are precise, commanding, perfectly in step with the music. It's easy and natural and the familiarity makes me feel like I'm betraying something.
"This isn't a charade," he adds after a pause. "It's real. Real impact. You know that. At least you used to."
"I know about yourotherdealings too," I answer quietly.
"You don't know everything." His voice drops lower. "We've been searching for the right town for this project. Briar Hollow works as any other would have."
"Right. I'm sure that's exactly what you told the mayor."
"The mayor sees dollar signs and reelection speeches. He doesn't care about the rest." Darius's smile sharpens. "But the chance to speak with you is a welcome side effect of all this."
"Of course it is," I bite back. "Another chance to spin lies."
"No." His tone hardens, his hand pressing against the bare skin of my back. A shiver races up my spine. "So I can reveal truths."
"Darius—"
His voice cuts mine, calm but direct. "I need to know one thing. About Piotr and Miroslav. Should we keep searching?" His green eyes fix on me.
My teeth catch my lip. Right. That.
"You can… stop the search," I admit.
He nods once. "I thought so."
"They used wildbane powder," I add quickly. "Asher and Kayden found me unconscious. They assumed the worst—"
"I'll tell Konstantin," Darius interrupts, as if closing a file.
My chest tightens. "You sent them after me—"
"Sage," he says firmly, pulling me tighter into him. "I want a real talk. A chance to explain."
"Explain," I bite out.
"Not here. Over dinner."
