When We Dance

4

RAVEN

Moments earlier.

What is going on?

Kai has left the table, his lips parched, his face pale, his stare vacant.

He looked like something had sucked him into a different world. His mind has clearly wandered off.

I liked when we locked eyes with me before. He had that smirk on his lips, a glint in his eyes. He sent a thrill of pleasure through my bones before he left.

What happened to that man?

Have I had too much wine, or my brain is mush after the time spent with Francisco? Who is an enigma, by the way.

None of them make much sense.

I tick my gaze to Francisco. He’s sunk in thought. At least, he looks like he is.

His eyes are centered on his wine and food. I’m not sure if this is how he hides his feelings. I truly think this is how he feels.

Why is he so downcast and quiet? Is it because of me?

The arrangement?

The dinner party?

There is nothing wrong with the settings.

In fact, I’d be in awe of how beautiful this house is had I not struggled with all these questions I have no answer for.

The pool alone and the surrounding tables leave me breathless. Not far from us, the tranquil ocean laps at the shore.

The lights glow gloriously, serenading its beauty.

What is wrong with them? The men?

Alejandro is a complete stranger to me this evening. He lets nothing out. Nothing.

Like he has a completely different personality. Different even than the man who’s caught me with Francisco in the pool.

He looks like spending time here is a chore for him. He’s present, but not really, his eyes going over the crowd while I follow the direction of his gaze, curious.

Yes. There are men and women. People are dressed sharp. They’re attractive. Is he infatuated with one of the cuties at the bar?

I sigh.

I’m not going there.

At any rate, I’m more concerned with how he feels toward me. His indifference hurts. It shouldn’t, but it does. Anger, impatience, jealousy coming from him? They’d make me so happy right now––shame on me––but this?

I don’t like this.

What if this will be the norm from now on? What if the hot addictive sex will morph into just sex and then boring sex until our time is up and the agreement ends?

No one has thought about that.