Page 33 of Goldsin

No.

Stick to the plan.

I need to find a mask, then I need to find a way to leave Adrian behind for a little while. Just enough time for me to look around.

With my thoughts cleared, I follow Adrian as he parts the crowd, sneaking a peek here and there at the people around me.

“Look who decided to join us,” a voice purrs from behind us.

Victoria.

Turning around, I watch her approach. Her eyes rake over me with a mixture of surprise and something else.

“I must say, golden one, you’re full of surprises.”

“And you certainly know how to throw a party.”

“Of course.” Her gaze flicks between Adrian and me. “I must admit, I expected to see you with Julian, not his brother. Has the other brother bored you already?”

Adrian stiffens beside me at her words, but he remains silent, taking us in. This is the firsttime he’s seen us talking, but from our easy exchange, he can probably deduce this isn’t our first conversation.

Now he knows Julian didn’t invite me to the party, but Victoria did. Personally.

“Adrian was kind enough to give me a ride,” I counter coolly.

“Adrian.” Victoria’s plump lips stretch as she greets him.

“Victoria.”

Tension travels between us as their gazes remain locked on one another. I’m about to ask how long they’ve known each other, so I can learn more about their family ties, when Victoria breaks their silent duel.

“Well, I’m glad you made it regardless.” She looks back to me. Her eyes narrow as she takes in my appearance. “Although it seems you’ve come unprepared. You’re not wearing a mask.”

“Julian didn’t mention it.”

“Typical!” Victoria sighs dramatically before disappearing into another room. A moment later she returns with a golden mask and hands it to me. “Here, put this on. We wouldn’t want you to stand out too much.”

“Thanks.” I slip the mask over my face, while Adrian slips one out from his pocket, putting it on.

We wouldn’t want you to stand out too much—and yet she gave me a mask the color of my nickname.

I try to let the choice of mask wash over me.

We aren’t friends. I’m planning to bring her empire to the ground, to kill her, so Victoria picking a gold mask for me is nothing but childish spite in comparison.

“Go on then,” she says dismissively, gesturingaround the room once our identity is hidden behind the masks. “Mingle, explore, do whatever it is you came here to do. I’ve got other guests to attend to.”

I watch her sashay away. Taking in a deep breath, I try to clear my mind.

I can’t afford to get too caught up in this event. It’s my alibi; I’m not here to sample the lascivious side of the Inferno Consortium.

Squaring my shoulders, I begin to weave my way through the crowd with one goal in mind: to gather as much information as needed, no matter what challenges lie ahead.

But first I need to get Adrian off my back.

We make our way further into the cabin. Red lights cast shadows of desire on the bodies of people as an alluring blend of scents fills the air. It’s a mixture of expensive perfume, sweat, and desire.

The first room we enter is filled with people writhing together on red cushioned mats, the loud beat of the music muffling their moans as they taste each other. Yet I can still make out their desires. The way their mouths form an “O,” or the marks on their skin from violently needing more.

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