Page 39 of Carnal Games

At me.

Our eyes lock. For one tiny second, before they slide to my right. But it’s enough to knock the wind out of my lungs. Like all the oxygen got sucked out in the ballroom and is replaced by a dark energy.

With every individual’s attention up on the dais, no one notices the unflinching force of nature with the stealth of a predator standing right behind them.

“The moment we’ve all been waiting for,” announces the host.

Understatement of the century.

And I’m not talking about the ring exchange ceremony.

“I request the bridesmaids and the best man to bring the rings to the stage for the ceremony.”

My entire being feels like it’s floating on a cloud. The cheerful voice of the host playing in the background. Because for the life of me, I can’t rip my gaze away from him.

The phantom man.

The elusive bachelor.

My scary reaper.

He’s here.

In the flesh.

But why? Why now? Why tonight of all nights?

What cruel joke is fate playing on me?

Is it taunting me?

Is it some sort of a sign?

A shadow appears before me, blocking my view. “Iris, you all right?”

A concerned Bianca peers down at me.

“Sorry, I’m ready,” I mumble, chills spreading on my arms. She shifts slightly to the side. Like an addict looking for a hit, I shoot my gaze to the doorway, but he’s gone.

As though he was a figment of my imagination.

Maybe he was an illusion.

Figures he’d haunt me tonight. The day I made up my mind to move on.

Burying the disappointment, I face Nathan while Bianca and Rosalie go to stand behind me with the ring box. Nova flanks his best friend, flashing a smirk at his wife. I bet they’re reminiscing over their engagement ceremony.

Rosalie, my fiery best friend who never backs down from a challenge, had almost gotten cold feet before he chased her right in front of the guests and took her to the stage.

“Please pass the rings to the couple.”

Bianca, who’s on my right, pulls out the ring. A simple gold band. As I take it from her, Rosalie leans forward and whispers in my ear, “For the record, my choice of ring is still an option.”

“I’m not making my fiancé wear a ring that draws blood when it’s taken off,” I hiss.

“Yeah, like a droplet. Not a river of it.”

“Even so.”

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