“Come on, Cinderella. Let’s get you to the ball.” I smirk as her cheeks heat.
“Does that mean I’ll have to be back by midnight?” she smirks back at me, and it makes my heart jolt.
“Star, you can have as long as you want. I’d give you forever if you stayed looking this happy.” Shit, where did that come from?
Luckily, she doesn’t reply, as I lead her into the ballroom, and look at the couples already dancing. Daria with Maddox, Sam with Luna’s other friend. Although her eyes are on a table where one of the other girl’s sits with that Nicole chick. I gave up remembering numbers, no one else interested me once I finally got Star.
“Do you mind if I go and say a quick hello?”
“Course not, I’ll get us a drink.” I give her a long kiss, until she’s gripping at my shirt, and then I send her to her friends. At least that way, she’ll be thinking of me the entire time.
I can see dad talking with Thallon and I try not to let my anger get the best of me. It could be anything, it doesn’t mean he’s trying to steal what’s rightfully mine. I mean, it isn’t as though he can get any information from him, we’re nearly finished here. I glance over my shoulder to see Luna with a hand on her friend’s back. She keeps looking at me, but I’ll leave her to it for now.
I’m not a complete bastard, I can give her a few minutes with her friend. I nod at the barman, and slowly make my way towards them, but she meets me halfway instead. Guess she doesn’t want me near her friends, that suits me fine.
“Thanks, Em.”
“Not a problem, Star. Do you want to grab a seat or dance?” I feel awkward as fuck, picturing that ring burning a hole in my drawer.
I spent more time than necessary picking out the right one, so I could be certain she would like it. Something that would remind her of me every time she looks at it.
“We could sit for a little while, if that’s okay.”
“Yeah, sure. Let’s grab one, and see how long it takes the others to flock to your side.” I smirk and a bright smile fills her face. Damn, I hate that they make her so happy. It would be so much easier if they didn’t.
I never planned for this arrangement to become permanent, just a way for her to have a few months of happiness, and to keep her safe until the real world caught up with us.
Haven’t I changed enough without having to change that as well? Why should I have to share my Star, when I know I am more than enough for her? The others may not think they are, but I don’t have that worry. I can be kind, fun, and hold her while she cries… I think. What? No. Of course I can, but right now, I need to get out of my own head and focus on her.
“D looks happy,” she says almost wistfully.
“Yeah, she does. Do you think you’ll stay in touch when you graduate?”
“I’m not letting her go, I think I’d be lost without her in my life.” She laughs softly, and I capture her hand.
“I’m sure a lot of people feel the same way about you.”
“Are you one of those people, Em?” Her eyes burn into me, and I throw my drink back before rising to my feet.
“Let’s dance.” I pull her to her feet, as her smile falls away.
“Sure, okay. Sounds fun.” She isn’t even trying to pretend that she’s happy, and I feel like an idiot for not answering her.
I lead her to the center of the floor, and pull her body flush with mine. I place my hands on the small of her back, and almost shiver as my hands meet her bare skin. How did I not realize this dress was backless? Fuck, no idea why that is so hot.
She rests her head on my chest, as her arms loop around my neck, and I’m glad she’s wearing heels. I can hear her sigh as she relaxes against me, but I doubt it’s a happy sound.
“Star, I’m not good at saying what I feel. Unless it’s negative, then I’m the boss at expressing myself.” I smirk, but she stays quiet. “I am one of those people, I don’t want to know what it’s like not to have you with me.” She leans back slightly and tilts her head up.
“You could have just said that. I’m not looking for declarations of love from you, Em. It’s just, I don’t know how you feel about me. You call me your Star and you say you’re mine, but what does that even mean?” Her forehead creases as her lips purse slightly, and even that is stunning on her. No idea how, I’m starting to think that she makes everything look good.
“It means I want to find a way to put a smile on your face everyday, but I want to be the only one to do it. When we leave here, we won’t need any extra protection anymore, so you’ll be safe.” I try to sound reassuring, but she stiffens against me.
“So, what? You gave me a moment to know what it would feel like to be with all the guys I love, just to snatch it away? It’s like taking me around a bakery, letting me design and name it, only to say, sorry love, you can’t have it.” She scoffs, and lowers her head, but I don’t miss the anger in her eyes.
I wish she hadn’t used that example, seeing as that’s exactly what dad has planned. Besides, that wasn’t my intention. Why can’t she see that this couldn’t work in the real world?
The song ends and she pulls away. I try to reach for her, but she’s quick and headed for our table before I know what’s happened. Well, shit, that could have gone better.
Darius
“Darius, with me,” Arthur orders, as he walks out of the ballroom. He can’t be serious, I’m supposed to be looking after Luna.
“Don’t worry, we’ve got eyes on her,” Tucker says, and I clench my jaw as I nod my head and follow Arthur outside.
He’s standing in the hallway as I step out of the doors, his eyes are hard, and I have no idea what this could be about. Hopefully, it won’t take too long, I don’t feel good about leaving Luna without my protection. Too many people have hurt her, and the next person to try, may just end up with a bullet between their eyes.
Arthur starts walking again and I follow him until he leads me to his office. I’m starting to gather what this is about. He won’t be able to talk me out of it though.
“The bonfire, did Tom deliberately try to push Miss Carter into the flames?” He drops down into his chair, but I don’t take the one opposite him. I prefer to stand, easier to access my gun that way.
“I don’t know if he set out to do that, but yes, Sir. He had every intention to push her into the fire.” My blood thrums hard in my veins just thinking about it.
“Where were you? Shouldn’t you have been there to prevent that from occurring?” He sneers at me, and I nod my head.
“Yes, Sir, hence why…” He holds his hand up to stop me from saying anything else. Rude, arrogant dick.
“Yes, I saw. Honestly, Darius, I don’t accept. You are much too valuable to lose.” His smile as he says valuable sends warning bells through my mind, but I don’t let it show. “Besides, what if I offer you the position of remaining on as Miss Carter’s personal guard once she marries into the family?” He smiles like a shark, and I’m wondering why he didn’t say when she marries Emmet.
“That’s a generous offer, but I won’t stay on for one person. I failed to keep her safe during the bonfire, and that tells me that I’m not fit for this position anymore. My resignation is not going away. I’m sorry, Sir. I appreciate you taking a chance on me, but I need to figure out what kind of career I want to have.”