Don't Tell (Don't 1)

Molly’s eyes darted back and forth. “What is he talking about?”

I shook my head. “I’ll explain later. We have about two minutes before we have to get back to the ballroom. I need to know that the secrecy of the gala is safe between us. Whatever happened between you two is your business until it interferes with me, then it becomes mine.”

Roux’s eyebrows knitted together. “You bastard. You get everything you want. Even her.”

“Molly hasn’t done anything to you. And I doubt Brooklyn has either. You’re being a royal ass. If you don’t want to be here, leave. Nothing is keeping you here.”

“Except Carina,” he retorted.

Molly looked confused. “Who is Carina?”

“His wife,” Brooklyn answered.

“You’re married?”

“It was an arranged marriage. Royal convenience,” he explained.

There was no rule in the society that members had to be single. With only a one-night commitment, it didn’t matter, but something had happened between Sebastian and Brooklyn. Carina was apparently a problem.

“Is that why you didn’t want to talk about it?” Molly asked her friend.

“I couldn’t. We agreed.”

Sebastian stepped in front of me, separating the girls. He slipped a hand around Brooklyn’s waist. “I can’t help it. I can’t get the other night out of my head.”

“I can’t either, but …”

“But nothing.”

I interrupted. “Roux, you can’t leave Carina.”

“I know that,” he hissed. “Some of us can’t write laws and grant positions for women we love.”

“I’m not married,” I corrected him. “You would lose your title. Carina will destroy you. Her family will come after you with everything.”

“Don’t you think I fucking know that.”

I backed up. I realized he was mad at his situation. Pissed at the world. I received the brunt of it because I had Molly. In his eyes I had won something he couldn’t have. Personal happiness. He had no idea what he was talking about. Molly was the only light I had.

“You two have less than a minute to figure this out. Molly and I are going to the ball. But the gala stays intact and I’ll discuss my membership with Lesage. Leave me out of your problems, Roux.”

I beckoned Molly to follow me. She was hesitant to leave Brooklyn.

“Come, we’ll give them a minute.”

We stepped into the hall.

“What is going to happen? I didn’t know he was married. God, Brooklyn looks devastated. This is awful.”

I shook my head. “I don’t know, love. I’m just glad that’s not us.”

“I think I should wait for her, in case she needs me.”

“Unfortunately, that’s not an option.” I guided her to the side door. “We have guests to speak to and a dance to dance.”

“I can’t dance right now.”

I tipped her chin forward, staring into her brilliant blue eyes. “There’s nothing you can do. Roux knew what he was getting into when he agreed to marry Carina.”