Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(31)

Sam grabbed my arm, linking it in his. “I want to see the life you used to live,” he said. “Let’s go to the party.” We went down the hallway to the entrance and walked in. As we entered, the smell of cologne and perfume saturating the air. Sam halted, studying the exquisite décor of the room.

“Wow,” he said, looking around the room.

“It’s”—I rolled my eyes—“something, isn’t it?”

“I see why you don’t like the parties. This is just…a lot.”

I pulled Sam along, passing curious couples and women. Grabbing a glass of dark liquor for Sam, I handed it over.

“Everything else wasn’t so bad,” I told him. Sam nodded, looking up at the chandeliers.

“Ava!” Madelyn bellowed across the room, waving excitedly. Garrett and George were with her, speaking amongst themselves, as I steered toward their direction.

“Madelyn, this is Sam Harris,” I introduced, as we stood in front of each other.

Madelyn’s brows raised, her lips quirking up. “The Sam Harris,” she replied, holding out a white gloved hand. “So nice to meet you, Sir Harris. Ava has told me so much about you.”

Sam shook her hand firmly, which startled Madelyn. “Thank you. You as well, Lady Madelyn. All the bad things are lies,” he replied with a smirk.

“All good things,” Madelyn giggled.

“And you remember Lord Cranfield.” I gestured to Garrett, who stood stone still. Sam stepped forward, holding out his hand. Garrett glanced hesitantly down at it.

“How could I forget?” Sam said, waiting for Garrett to accept his gesture. George nudged him, and Garrett took it.

“Harris,” he said flatly, over the loud music that started to play.

“Will you dance with me, Sam?” I asked, breaking the awkward tension.

He nodded. “Love to.” We evaded dancing couples and found a place on the floor; a slow rhythmic dance played. Sam took my hands and positioned himself, focused on his steps. He took the lead, gliding me around the floor, light as a feather.

“Your worldly travels paid off,” I teased. “You know how to dance.”

Sam grinned. “Ha, ha.”

“You look good, Sam,” I told him. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“And I, you. More than you know.”





Garrett





Chapter 13





I stood next to George and tried to relax. I swore every living being that could possibly annoy me had showed up around me. I didn’t need Sam interrogating me later about how Ava was being treated and if she was comfortable. Luckily, he was leaving soon.

“Where did Madelyn go?” George asked, and I shrugged. I didn’t care; had no idea. “I should probably talk to her.”

“Now?” I scolded. “At a party? Real classy, George.”

“I can’t hold it in anymore. I just want this over with.”

“This really isn’t the best place or time. Have I taught you nothing?”

George chuckled. “You didn’t teach me shit.”

“I resent that,” I countered. My body began to relax, when a familiar piercing voice shattered my composure within seconds.

“Why, Lord Cranfield, I’m upset that you haven’t sought me out yet tonight for a dance.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. My shoulders tightened, and I cringed. This night was getting worse and worse.

I turned to Sophia Chitwood, who was smiling at me as if I would be delighted to see her. She primped her dark blonde hair that was pulled to the side.

“Lady Chitwood,” I said in a monotone voice. I didn’t even bother to bow when she curtsied in front of me.

“I thought you’d seen me earlier, but you were busy dancing with a pretty blonde.” She pouted, peering up at me with her slanted brown eyes.

“Didn’t see you,” I replied.

“I would forgive you anything, Lord Cranfield,” she crooned.

“I didn’t apologize,” I snapped, but she ignored me, turning to George.

“Your Grace, are you enjoying the festivities?”

“As much as I can, yes. I’m not one for large crowds anymore.” Neither of us were, especially since a few of George’s assassination attempts were made with masses of people around. “Have you been back long?” George asked, and I glared at him from the corner of my eye.

“Just arrived last night. Father has a few court cases coming up, and I was tired of staying in the country.” She glanced at me. “There isn’t much to look at.”

I rolled my eyes.

“I need to find Madelyn,” George stated, patting me on the back and bowing to Sophia. I groaned inwardly as he took his leave. I was going to kill him.

“Lord Cranfield”—she stepped closer, her perfume assaulting my nostrils—“dance with me.” I should've just stuck with my instincts and run. Sophia snatched my arm, and I halted before she paraded me to the dance floor.

“No.”

Sophia lifted a brow. “No?”

“Your hearing still works.”

“Do you want to start a scene?”

“I won’t be starting one,” I remarked. She narrowed her eyes, which made me notice that she was wearing too much rouge.