Secret Heir (Dynasty #1)(104)

“Hi, Jazmine,” Jael replies, with that daredevil smile.

“Wanna dance?”

My eyebrows shoot up as Keller claps her little brother around the back of his head.

“Aren’t you a little young?” I reply, with a grin.

“No. I’ll be eleven in a few months,” he says, with unwavering confidence.

“Quit being such a menace,” Keller groans.

“Okay, forget the dance. How about a date instead?”

This time, I can’t help but laugh in response, and Keller is equally amused.

“I’m sorry but I’m seeing someone right now,” I reply, once the laughter has subsided.

Jael looks genuinely disappointed.

“Speaking of which, where is your date?” Keller asks then, looking around for Raph, although she’s not going to find him because despite his many protests, I’d insisted that he should still go with Layla, like his father wanted.

It was probably a crazy decision on my part. But after Magnus’s less than glowing reaction to finding Raph and me together, I’m convinced more than ever that the big reveal about our relationship would definitely need to wait. Showing up together to a ball with all the Dynasties and nobles watching would be like breaking the news with a sledgehammer. I don’t know much about politics or Dynasty life, but breaking it to Raph’s father by making such a public statement definitely doesn’t seem like a good idea.

I don’t even mind that he’s going with Layla. I realized the other day, when Magnus challenged me about it, that I really do trust Raph. I know with every fiber in my being just how deep his feelings for me run and he’s made it clear to me, that no other girl even exists for him. He’s mine and for now, that’s enough. The public declarations and all of the consequences flowing from that, can wait.

“I sort of convinced him that we shouldn’t go together,” I reply casually.

Keller’s eyes widen in response.

“Why the hell did you do that?”

“Because I don’t think either of us is ready for that and … I trust him,” I reply evenly.

She seems to be thinking that over for a moment, then flashes me a smile.

“Good for you,” she replies finally, which reinforces my belief that I’ve done the right thing.

That feeling doesn’t last long, though, because a second later, Raph makes his entrance and right by his side is Layla.

All eyes turn to them as they walk through the ornate entrance carved entirely of ice. Raph looks devastatingly handsome in a white suit jacket and black tailored trousers. Layla is wearing a shimmering ice blue gown which makes my own black and silver dress look plain in comparison. Individually, they’re both undoubtedly model beautiful and stunning, but together they glow with an almost ethereal light. Any fool can see how perfect they look together and suddenly I’m not feeling so good about my decision. But I remind myself that I could have stopped this from happening, if I had only said the word.

I’m comforted somewhat by the clear look of displeasure on Raph’s face as he enters the ballroom and by how his eyes search for me, softening instantly when they find me.

“Speak of the devil,” Keller says.

Jael’s eyes follow Keller’s and my gazes to the entrance and his mouth drops open.

“Wait—is Raph your boyfriend?” he asks.

I hadn’t really thought of us in terms of labels, but …

“Yeah, I guess he is,” I reply with a faint smile.

Jael frowns then.

“That can’t be right because—”

He breaks off mid-sentence, and I notice Leo cutting him a warning look.

Keller and I eye the twins curiously.

“But you remember what we heard mom and dad saying …” Jael says.

“Have you two been eavesdropping on mom and dad’s conversations again?” Keller demands, looking annoyed.

Leo grabs Jael’s arm suddenly.

“Gotta go,” he blurts, turning to make a run for it and making sure to drag Jael with him.

“Wait—” I call out, but they’re out of earshot in a split second. Damn, those two are fast.

“What the hell was that?” I ask, as I turn back to Keller. She only shrugs dismissively, probably used to her little brothers’ antics. But I’m not and Jael’s words have left me feeling more than just a little curious.

“There’s been a flurry of Dynasty sessions and advisory meetings lately. Something’s going on in the Dynasty chambers, I guess, but who knows? They keep most things strictly confidential behind those doors—well except for when my little brothers happen to eavesdrop on my mom’s meetings in her study or when they go snooping through her papers.”

The whisper of curiosity grows louder in my mind, but I don’t have time to ponder on it though, because a moment later, I feel a muscled arm curling around my waist.

“You look so beautiful tonight,” Raph’s voice in my ear sends shivers down my spine. But I’m well aware of where we are and of the eyes on us. I jerk away instantly and Keller stifles a grin. Raph, however, doesn’t look amused.

“I hate this,” he says with a sigh.

Thankfully, I’m saved from having to come up with a response as Baron bounds over with Lance in tow. I look across the ballroom to see Ivy standing with Layla among a group of nobles. But no Dani. She mentioned that she probably wouldn’t come, even though Lance did ask her to go. She seemed pretty elusive about her reasons, though, and it’s definitely something I plan on grilling her about later.