Page 29 of I Summoned A Demon For A Date?!
We wove through clusters of elegantly dressed guests, the fairy lights beginning to glow more brightly as the golden hour deepened toward dusk. Stephany's pace was brisk, purposeful, and I had to hurry to keep up with her in my heels.
"Steph, slow down a bit," I protested as we reached the faredge of the party where a long table had been set up with elaborate desserts. "I don't see anyone waiting here."
She released my arm and glanced around, her brow furrowing. "Huh. They were right here a minute ago." She smoothed down her dress, avoiding my eyes. "Let me just go find them. Wait right here, okay? I'll be right back with them."
Something about her tone made me uneasy. "Stephany.."
"Just wait here," she was already backing away. "I'll be right back."
And then she was gone, disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone at the edge of the party. I shifted uncomfortably, suddenly very aware of how far I was from the main gathering. The table beside me was laden with exquisite pastries and chocolates, but my appetite had vanished, replaced by a gnawing sense of unease.
I glanced back toward where I'd left Aldaine, but couldn't spot him through the sea of guests. Mr. Blackwood must have pulled him into some intense conversation. I debated going back, but what if the Harringtons really were looking for me? And after Jan had been so unexpectedly kind earlier, maybe Stephany was genuinely trying to be nicer too?
The rational part of my brain scoffed at that idea. When had Stephany ever done anything that wasn't ultimately self-serving?
I checked my watch. Five minutes passed. Then ten. The sun dipped lower on the horizon, painting the sky in dramatic strokes of orange and purple. The fairy lights twinkled more prominently now, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the party.
No sign of Stephany. No sign of these mysterious Harringtons. And a sinking feeling in my stomach that I'd been played, yet again.
But for what purpose? What could Stephany possibly gain by isolating me at the edge of her own engagement party?
Had Stephany just wanted to separate me from Aldaine? Why? What was she planning?
The worst part was, I didn't want to cause a scene. Not after Jan had actually apologized to me, not when things with my father were finally feeling somewhat normal again. Creating drama would only confirm every negative thing Stephany had ever said about me.
So I waited, nursing my champagne, trying to look casual and unbothered instead of increasingly anxious. I could handle whatever Stephany was planning. I wasn't the same insecure teenager she'd hurt all those years ago.
But as the minutes ticked by and the sky darkened further, that uneasy feeling only grew stronger.
I felt a presence behind me before I heard his voice, that same arrogant tone that used to make my teenage heart flutter but now just made my skin crawl.
"Well, well. If it isn't little Rosie, all grown up." Roger's cologne was overpowering as he stepped closer, invading my personal space. "Though I guess 'little' isn't quite the right word, is it?" He was drunk based on the way his words slurred together.
I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to maintain composure. "Roger. Shouldn't you be with your fiancée?"
"Oh, Steph's busy with the guests." His smile was all teeth, predatory. "Thought I'd come check on you. Make sure you weren't feeling too lonely out here by yourself after she left you here like a little lost lamb."
His hand brushed against my arm and I jerked away, my skin crawling. "I'm fine. Aldaine will be here any minute."
Roger's laugh was ugly. "Right. Your new boyfriend. Got to say, I'm impressed. How'd a girl like you land someone like him? Must be using the same tricks you tried on me back in high school."
"Excuse me?" My voice came out sharper than intended, anger finally overtaking discomfort.
"Come on, Rosie." His fingers wrapped around my wrist, tight enough that it hurt. "We both know you were always eager to please. Spreading your legs for any guy who gave you a second glance. Trying to make up for," his eyes raked over my body with deliberate cruelty, "other shortcomings."
I yanked my arm free, fury and hurt warring in my chest. "You're disgusting. And still the same insecure little boy who needs to tear others down to feel important." Not to mention the lies he was spewing. He was the only boy I'd slept with in high school.
His expression darkened. "Careful, Rosie. You're not as special as you think you are. I mean, look at you." He stepped closer, backing me against the hedge. "Still the same fat bitch who just craves attention."
"Get your hands off me!" I shoved him back, my voice rising. "You're pathetic, you know that? And Stephany deserves better than you even if she's a bitch!"
His hand shot out, grabbing my upper arm with bruising force. "Listen here, you little, —"
"I believe," a low, dangerous voice interrupted, "that the lady told you to remove your hands."
Chapter Thirteen
CHAPTER 13: ALDAINE
