“May I have the next dance?”
My eyes widen in surprise. I hadn’t been expecting to see Grayson, but it’s nice to see a friendly face. He looks rather dashing in his gray suit, and his usually tousled hair has beenwrangled into a neat style that suits him. A cheeky smile pulls at his mouth.
“Gray,” I exclaim. “You’re here.”
“As if I would miss it,” he says.
“Did your father come?” I ask, peering over his shoulder. “Please, say yes.”
I miss Reed Sullivan, my stand-in father. It’s been months since I last saw him.
“No, but he bought you some gifts for not setting your husband on fire,” Grayson says. His eyes shift towards Ender. “Do you mind?”
“I’m afraid she’s occupied.”
Ender’s arm slides around my waist, drawing me close to his chest. He’s behaving rather oddly. He really is attached to my sister. I try to step away from him, uncomfortable by the thought.
I want to speak with Grayson. To someone I trust. Even though I’ve found friends in Sora, Spider, Flint, and even Rei, no one knows me quite like Grayson does. He was there for me during the most difficult years of my life, after I lost my mother. He let me crawl into his bed and cry on his chest anytime a nightmare roused me.
“It’ll be a moment,” Grayson says. “I just want to congratulate her.”
“You may do so in my presence,” Ender says in a stern tone that brokers no argument.
Grayson gives me an exasperated look. One that says, ‘can you believe this guy?’
“Mercy, is over there,” Ender says, pointing to where my sister stands. “You were all over her a few days ago. Don’t tell me you have a thing for both sisters?”
Ender’s eyes shine with cruelty as he takes a giant step forward.
“Which one do you want, Sullivan?” Ender asks. “Mercy ormywife?”
“Vale,” I warn. “You’re being an ass.”
“Which one doyouwant?” Grayson retorts. “I can’t speak to Mercy when you’re around, and now it’s Haven too?”
Ender takes another menacing step forward.
“You can’t speak to Haven. You can’t speak to my wife,” Ender clarifies. “Does your thick-head understand that?”
Anger spikes through my veins like poison.
“You don’t decide who I can and can’t speak with, Vale,” I say in a clipped tone. “I am dancing with Grayson whether you like it or not.”
I brush past Ender, lifting my wrist when he attempts to capture it. A new song begins just as Grayson enfolds me in his arms. There are too many people around, and I figure Ender won’t make a scene. Not unless he wants it to be included in the news tomorrow.
“Damn, Vee, how do you tolerate that guy?” Grayson mutters.
“You know it’s me?” I ask, surprised.
“Mercy told me when I spoke with her,” he says, glaring over my shoulder. “What’s his deal?”
“Maybe he really likes my sister.” I shrug.
“He acted the same way after the attack,” Grayson says. “He has a problem with me.”
“He has a problem with everyone,” I correct. “He’s Ender Vale. The worst person alive.”
“True.”
