Bridges Burned (Going Down in Flames #2)(19)

“Hell yes, I would’ve said no. Now I’m the pathetic tagalong.”

He loosened his tie.

“Nice pink tie, by the way. Very masculine.”

“Nola gave it to me tonight. I couldn’t think of a polite way to say no.”

She poked him hard in the chest. “You don’t have a problem telling me no.”

He grabbed her hand and rubbed circles on her palm with his thumb. “This isn’t as bad as it seems. Nola likes to circulate. I planned on asking you to dance. We can still spend time together.”

Like that was the same thing. She jerked her hand away. “Forget it. I’m not going.”

“Think about the consequences of your actions. If you don’t go, Ivy won’t go.”

Damn it. He was probably right.

“Fine. I’ll go but it would be in your best interest to stay away from me.” She flung the bedroom door open and called out. “Why don’t we fly from my terrace?”

Knowing her friends would follow, Bryn shifted on the terrace and flew to the theater building. An orchestral waltz floated through the air. Below her, couples stood in groups waiting for friends or chatting. Bryn circled once around the building, hoping the joy of flight would temper the bitter disappointment of Zavien’s betrayal. No such luck. She still wanted to fry the bastard.

Clint and Ivy waited on the theater building steps. Bryn landed, shuffled her feet to maintain balance, shifted, and then followed her friends into the ballroom. Six-foot trees sculpted from copper and bronze metal lined the walls. Some branches were covered in red and yellow leaves. Others held candles. The marble floor reflected the glow of the candles, creating a romantic twilight effect. It was freaking perfect.

Zavien and Nola glided onto the dance floor.

Bryn gritted her teeth.

“What did Zavien say?” Clint asked.

“When he told me we’d go as a group, I thought he meant the four of us. He apparently had planned it this way all along.”

“Jerk,” Ivy muttered.

“I’d be happy to dance a few songs with you,” Clint said.

“Thanks. I don’t feel much like dancing. I think I’ll check out the food and then disappear to my room.”

“We could all go back to your room and order pizza,” Ivy said.

Bryn hugged her. “You’re a good friend. You’ve been looking forward to this dance forever. I want you to have fun.” A new song started. “Clint, that’s your cue.”

Clint pulled Ivy onto the dance floor. Bryn stepped into the shadows and watched. All the dancers were matched up by Clan. The couples seemed like mirrored reflections of each other. Golden-skinned blond males danced with golden-skinned blond females. Dark-haired males with dark-haired females. Something in her gut twisted. No matter what she did, she’d never fit in.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Nola in Zavien’s arms. They appeared like the perfect couple. More than likely, they were. Averting her gaze, she made her way to the nearest door and stepped outside onto the terrace. Leaning against the railing, she inhaled the sweet scent of roses from the garden below.

Footsteps sounded on the flagstones behind her. “Look who we have here.”

Fan-freaking-tastic. “Hello, Jaxon.”

He came to lean on the railing beside her. “I thought Zavien was taking you to the dance.”

“You were right. He lied to me.” She turned to face him. “Does that make you happy?”

“A few weeks ago it would’ve made me happy. Now I feel sorry for you.”

Pity from Jaxon. Just what she needed. “If you didn’t come to gloat, why are you here?”

“Something about Alec’s attack is still bothering me. How—”

“You mean besides the fact that he planned to kill you?”

“Yes, besides that minor detail. How did he know the layout of your grandfather’s estate?”

Good question. “I don’t know. Are blueprints kept on file somewhere?”

“Probably. My theory is someone gave him the blueprints.”

“Who would do that?”

“I don’t know. Think about it. See what you come up with.” With that parting command, he left.

Now what should she do? It was a nice night. Maybe she’d hide out here until she could sneak off without anyone noticing. And maybe she’d fly to Nola’s room, and burn all her pretty flowing dresses. And then she’d fly to Zavien’s room and shred his research paper. She knew where the first fifty pages were. They’d make a nice pile of confetti.

“Bryn, I thought I saw you come in.” Miss Enid joined her by the railing. “Why are you hiding out here?”

Back to crappy reality. “Have you seen Zavien?”

“No. I thought he’d be with you.”

“That makes two of us.” Bryn gave a bitter laugh. “The joke’s on me. He’s with his real date.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Me, too.” She glanced over her shoulder at the dancing couples and shook her head. She couldn’t stay here. “Maybe I’ll fly to Dragon’s Bluff and eat my weight in lemon ice.”

Miss Enid’s eyes lit up. “Wait here. I know something that will make you smile.”