Page 56 of The King of Hearts

We’re quiet for a few moments as we slowly move across the dance floor, and I let my eyes move around the room, taking in all of the partygoers. I find my parents talking to Colette, my mother’s best friend, her husband, Hudson, and Rafaele. Emersyn and Tomas have moved off the dance floor and are over by the bar. Cassio, Ryker, and Bennett are on the edge of the dance floor. Cassio and Bennett are turned away, and Ryker stands in front of them. They seem to be in deep conversation. Several feet away, Bishop and whoever the new guy is are talking. Just before I look away from them, the new guy looks up, and our eyes meet. I look away and glance up at Brax.

“Who’s the guy with Bishop?” I ask him.

He turns us so he can see who I’m referring to.

“That’s Ashton James. Newest member of The Raven Group. Fresh out of the Army.”

“When did he get to the island?”

Without making it noticeable, I leisurely spin us so I can look at the new guy again. It’s not often that we bring someone new into our fold. The last was Ryker, and that was a while ago. It’snot like we can advertise about open positions. It’s usually a case where someone knows someone.

“Officially about a month ago, but he’s been off the island more than on since he’s settling things where he lived before.”

“How did Dad find him?”

“I believe he was recommended by a friend of Bishop’s.”

We stop talking after that, and soon after, the music switches to a more upbeat song. I don’t fast dance, like ever, so I let go of Brax and take a step back.

“And that’s my cue to call it quits.”

Brax grins. “Come on. You don’t want to tear up the dance floor with me?” He does some weird move with his hips.

I laugh. “Definitely not. I’m not in the mood to embarrass myself tonight. But I’m sure you can find someone to bust the moves with.”

“You’re no fun.”

“Call it what you will.” I pat his arm. “I’m going to grab a drink.”

I give him a little finger wave and turn to go to the bar where I last saw Emersyn and Tomas. They aren’t there. I glance around and find them over by the stage talking to a couple of people. I look around some more, and it’s not until I don’t see Ashton that I realize I’m actually looking for him.

Could he be my devil? He’s the right height and build, and the couple of times I’ve seen the bottom half of his face beneath the mask, he’s had a light layer of dark facial hair. The timing is right too. Cassio said Ashton has been on the island for a month, so he was here the first time my devil came to me.

A flush of warmth hits me, and I decide to step outside to get some fresh air. Dad felt it wasn’t necessary for Marcelo to trail my every move while we’re here since he and my brothers are in attendance. He’s still present, but he was told to give me more space than usual. I find him by the entrance to the room,standing against the wall in his usual position; legs braced apart, arms across his chest, expression blank, alert, and aware. He’s the only one not wearing a mask.

I slip through one of the double doors in the back of the room and close it behind me. The cool evening air instantly makes me feel better. There are no lights out here, except for what comes from the doors behind me. I step to the left out of the stream of light, preferring to be in the dark so no one sees me out here. I’d rather be left alone than have company.

I curl my fingers around the railing and look out into the darkness. Crickets chirp in the distance and the muffled sound of the band playing inside makes it not so oppressively quiet. Clouds cover the moon and stars, so it seems extra dark, just the way I like it. I’ve always enjoyed the solitude of darkness.

I tip my head back, closing my eyes, and let the light breeze wash over my flushed skin. It feels luxurious.

Just as I tilt my head back down, I feel a presence behind me. I stiffen, about to turn around, when a hard body presses me against the railing, preventing me from moving.

“It’s dangerous for a little girl like you to be out here all alone,” a velvety voice whispers in my ear, and I instantly recognize it.

“My devil,” I whisper breathlessly.

“It’s a silent invitation for a man to do all kinds of wicked things to you.” A tingling sensation pops out on my skin when I feel his breath against the back of my neck. “But going by a couple nights ago, you like to live dangerously, don’t you, Vicious?”

I hold my breath, not moving a muscle, afraid that if I do, I’ll wake up from a dream. I was hoping he would be here tonight.

“Only if it’s you doing those wicked things.”

“I don’t believe you,” he says, the heat of his voice whispering across the skin of my neck. His hand comes up the front of mybody, and he wraps his fingers around my throat, his thumb stroking my pulse in a dangerous caress. “I think you’d be just as soft and compliant if any man had you in this position.”

I shake my head. “No?—”

My denial is cut short when his grip tightens and he takes away my air.

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