Page 89 of The Contract

He laughs.

“Oh, none of that. We’re past such formalities. Call me Richard.”

I don’t miss the way Damien’s gaze lingers on me from across the room.

He’s standing with Marcus, but his attention is solely on me.

The weight of his stare is something I can feel even with my back turned.

The song winds to an end, and before I can return to my seat, another hand extends toward me.

“May I?”

James’ eyes twinkle with mischief, and I can’t help but smile as I let him take my hand.

“Of course.”

Richard claps him on the shoulder before heading toward Damien and Marcus, likely to return to business.

James pulls me in with an easy grace, his touch light as we fall into step.

“Well, you know how to liven up a dinner party,” he teases, his voice pitched low.

I roll my eyes playfully. “If byliven upyou mean nearly taking Calloway’s eye out with a snail projectile, then yes—I’m a real showstopper.”

He throws his head back in genuine laughter.

Dancing with James is effortless.

He makes me laugh, relax even.

And I know that if circumstances were different—if I were allowed friendships outside of this contract—he and I would be fast friends.

But then, just as the song shifts into something slower, a shadow looms over us.

“Mind if I cut in?”

The tar-like sound of Adrian’s voice oozes down my back uncomfortably.

The lightheartedness I felt just moments ago vanishes, replaced by a sharp tension curling in my stomach.

My body goes rigid, but I don’t want to make a scene.

James hesitates, his eyes flicking to mine as if asking if I’m okay to be left with him.

I nod once. “It’s fine.”

Reluctantly, James steps back, giving me one last glance before turning toward Marcus and Damien.

Adrian’s hand finds my waist as he pulls me closer than necessary.

I resist the urge to shove him away, keeping my expression carefully neutral.

“I have to admit,” he murmurs, his breath warm against my ear, “I didn’t expect you to play this role so well. It’s almost believable.”

I inhale through my nose, forcing myself to stay composed.

“Let go of me.”

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