Page 145 of Kissing the Villain

Kali flicked her hair over her shoulder and laughed. “Maybe somewhere other than Devil’s Creek.”

Servers floated throughout the ballroom with champagne flutes and bite-sized hors d’oeuvres trays. I stared around the large ballroom, which was decorated as if we were attending a wedding.

“The Founders Ball is the year’s highlight,” she told me. “This is your official introduction to the Devil’s Creek elite.”

“Marcello mentioned this is a big deal. Honestly, I couldn’t care less. I couldn’t feel more disconnected from these people.”

She tapped my shoulder. “Have you ever attended a debutante ball?”

“No.”

“It’s kind of like that. You’ll see.”

Three women moved across the floor with a purpose, headed toward us. A pretty blonde shot a look in Blair’s direction, though not to seek her approval. They were the outliers of the group. The peacocks clung to my grandmother’s side, seeking her validation and love, while the three women approaching me looked thrilled to get rid of her.

My cell phone dinged with a new message.

Luca

You drive me fucking crazy, woman. When I text, you need to answer me.

I scanned the screen and noticed I had several messages from Luca.

Luca

I’m trying to protect you. Stop taking stupid risks.

I rolled my eyes, annoyed with his attitude. He hadn’t spoken to me in days. Even Marcello wouldn’t tell me where Luca had been hiding since the meeting with my grandfather. To hell with both of them. We ditched Marcello on our drive to the marina, but it’s not like I could get away from them. My phone had a tracking app installed on it.

Luca

Try dodging Marcello again, and I’ll take you over my knee and spank your ass until it’s raw.

I switched the ringer to vibrate, shoved the phone into my pocket, and smiled at the woman who stopped before us. A beautiful woman in her late fifties extended her hand to me. She had long blonde hair that spilled down her shoulders and wore a cream cashmere dress that stopped midway down her calves.

“I’m Savanna Cormac,” she beamed. “We never got to speak at the Midsummer Night’s Dream masquerade ball.”

“You’re Sonny’s mom.” I shook her hand, noting the similarities between Savanna and her son.

“I see my son has made an impression on you.”

I smiled. “Sonny’s a real charmer.”

“That he is.” She cupped my shoulder and turned me toward the woman beside her. “Alexandrea, we’ve been waiting for you to take over for Blair. This is Moira Battle.”

I shook her hand. “Drake’s mom?”

She glowed at the mention of his name. “We’re all very excited for a change in command.”

“I’m Clarice Marshall,” a woman in her sixties said as she held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Cole Marshall’s grandmother.

Before we got in another word, Blaire stood at the front of the ballroom and tapped a knife against her champagne glass. “Can I have your attention?”

Heads snapped in my grandmonster’s direction. Those loyal to Blair hovered around her. Others floated throughout the room as if unsure where to go. I had no intention of taking the Belles away from Blair.

Another message from Luca buzzed in my pocket, then another. He kept secrets from me so he could wait until after the meeting.

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