Bridges Burned (Going Down in Flames #2)(20)

The woman had good intentions. Nothing could make her happy right now. Bryn turned back to the railing and fantasized about running away, just flying off to another country where no one could ever find her.

“Could you only afford half a dress?” a familiar masculine voice asked.

She turned to find her knight, Valmont, striding toward her. He looked handsome in dark pants and a pale blue shirt.

“What are you doing here?”

“Fonzoli’s donated lemon ice to the dance. I dropped by to supervise the setup.” He glanced toward the dance floor. “I hear Zavien preaches change but is afraid to rock the boat.” He stepped closer and took her hand. “His loss is my gain. Would you care to dance?”

Valmont was fun, he enjoyed annoying Zavien, and his single dimple made her smile.

“I’d love to.”

He led her onto the dance floor and pulled her close. One of his hands came to rest on her waist. “Did I mention how much I like your dress?”

The devilish gleam in his eye made her chuckle.

“You laugh now. Later, you will be wooed by my charm.” He wiggled his eyebrows for effect and she laughed harder.

The song ended. Bryn noticed Valmont’s posture stiffen as the next song started. He pulled her against the tide of dancers and then they moved with the flow again.

“What was that about?”

“The spiky-haired nitwit was approaching. If he wants to apologize, you should make him work for it.”

“He should’ve told me the truth… Finding Nola on my doorstep was humiliating.”

“He showed up with her at your door?” Valmont’s eyes narrowed.

“What are you plotting?”

“If I tell you, you’ll be an accomplice.”

“Why don’t we forget about him for tonight and have fun? Unless there’s someplace you have to be.” A guy like Valmont must have a girl waiting for him somewhere.

“I’m your knight.” His tone held complete sincerity. “My place is by your side for as long as you need me.”

Her throat became tight. “Thank you. I’d love it if you’d stay and help me regain my dignity.”

“Am I allowed to torment him?”

She didn’t even have to think about it. “Hell, yes.”





Chapter Nine


Valmont pulled her close and placed her hand on his chest. He rested his free hand on her lower back, where his fingers brushed bare skin. Her heartbeat kicked up a notch. No two ways about it. Her knight was hot. Dark hair and blue eyes were a killer combination. He smelled like soap and sunshine.

“You could forget about Zavien.” His voice came close to her ear.

Was he joking? He’d never acted interested in her before. Maybe that’s because she’d been with Zavien. Raising her head, she met his gaze.

“Just a thought,” he said.

The song ended.

Zavien approached with a wary expression on his face. “Bryn, would you like to dance?”

“Bite me.”

“I believe that’s a no.” Valmont delivered this news in a cheery tone. “Shall we?” He moved her along to the music while she imagined Zavien’s hair going up in flames.

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Valmont whispered in her ear.

“I wish my life were simpler.”

“Simple is boring.”

They swayed in silence until the song ended. Clint and Ivy joined them.

“Are you okay?” Ivy asked.

“I’m managing. Valmont is helping.”

“Why don’t we get something to drink?” Clint pointed across the room to the tables decorated with ice sculptures shaped like trees, which Nola and Zavien had designed, which made her want to shoot a fireball at them. But setting the room on fire might ruin the evening for the other students.

After grabbing glasses of punch, the foursome wound their way back outside to the terrace.

“It’s a perfect night for flying,” Bryn said.

“It is,” Valmont agreed.

“You don’t have wings,” Clint said.

Ivy elbowed him.

“What? I wasn’t being rude. I’m pretty sure he knows he’s not a dragon.”

“I fly planes.” Valmont grinned at Bryn. “You should come with me some time.”

“Bryn, can we talk?” a feminine voice asked.

It couldn’t be. Bryn turned around, praying she was wrong. No such luck. “What do you want, Nola?”

“Perhaps it’s best if we move away from the others? It’s personal.” She wandered farther down the terrace.

Bryn shoved her glass of punch at Valmont and joined Nola.

“This is awkward.” Nola’s cheeks flushed. “I noticed how upset you were when I showed up with Zavien. When I asked him what the problem was, he said you might have misunderstood his invitation.”

That lying, evil rat bastard.

Nola clasped her hands in front of her chest. “You thought he asked you to attend the dance as his date, didn’t you?”

At least she didn’t have to lie. “I did.”

“What you feel for him is a crush. It will pass.”

It certainly would. Right after she cremated the son of a bitch. “Did Zavien send you?”