Page 113 of The Immortal's One
“Lome,” he greets his brother first, his voice flat. Then, as if reluctantly remembering I exist, his attention flicks to me for a millisecond. “Darcie. There you are.”
“Yes.” Lome widens his eyes meaningfully, then tugs me forward. I want to resist, but there’s no time. “Here we are.”
“You remember Liana.” Des gestures to the pretty woman who beams under his attention.
Gross.
“I can’t say I do,” Lome replies, his tone cool. “It is nice to meet you.”
Liana’s smile falters, but she recovers quickly, offering thefakest smile I’ve seen all night. The beauty dips into a small curtsy. Most Immortals bow or curtsy when first speaking to Lome or his brothers. “It is an honor.”
“Indeed.” Lome sounds unimpressed. He steps to the side and waves a hand over me. “Of course, you know who this is. The brightest spot of tonight’s festivities and the newest addition to our family.”
The reckless brother brings my hand to his lips and kisses my knuckles. A mischievous spark flickers in his eyes. It takes everything I have not to laugh at the ridiculous gesture.
“Yes.” Liana’s eyes narrow, but her rigid smile stays in place. “It is nice to make your acquaintance, Darcie Abernathy.”
Lome straightens and releases my hand. I face the beautiful woman, unsettled by the fact that she addressed me by my full name. “Thank you. It's nice to meet you, too.”
My words aren’t cold, but they aren’t warm, either.
I’ve only known Lome for a short period of time, but I’d say he’s not prone to being dismissive or unkind. The fact that he’s rude to Liana tells me the Immortal female might not be someone I want to know.
Des clears his throat. “How are you enjoying the ball?”
I think he’s speaking to Lome, but when I look up, his hazel eyes are on me.
Eyes that should be green...
“Darcie?”
I blink. “Yes?”
Beside me, Lome chuckles under his breath.
Des’s lips twitch, a slight smirk pulling at the corner. “I asked how you’re enjoying the ball.”
“Oh.” I swallow again, feeling the weight of their eyes on me. “I’m… having a nice time.”
“Thanks to my efforts,” Lome says, coming to my rescue and smiling at me with a playful gleam. “I’ve ensured Darcie is well taken care of tonight despite your negligence.”
“Desmond has been busy greeting all of his guests,” Liana says, her eyes sultry as they glide over Des. “Darcie can’t expect to keep him all to herself when so many of us are craving the chance to speak with him.”
Is this chick for real?
“Perhaps it is time forDesmondto direct his attention to the woman of the hour.” Lome’s expression darkens. “She is, after all, hisOne.”
Liana’s features twist like she tastes something sour. The expression isn’t flattering. Neither is the icy glare she shoots my way.
I glance at Des to see if he’s noticing Cruella’s harsh reaction, but his attention isn’t on Liana. It’s still on me.
What are you doing?I frown.Stop staring.
He’s supposed to be distant, to make others doubt there’s any connection between us.
But right now, with the way his rich hazel eyes flare as they trail over the length of my gown, he’s giving people the wrong idea.
“You’re right, Lome.” Des’s voice drops an octave. “Forgive me.”
