The Game (Wagered Hearts Series, #3)(39)

She was stunning, of course. She always looked stunning, but I couldn't fully appreciate her at the moment. My mind was too focused on figuring out what the hell my ex-girlfriend was doing at this party, and who I could blame for it.

As she began walking down the stairs, I tore my eyes away from her and went to look for my mother. In my mood, I knew any conversation with Emilia would only end in an argument or hurt feelings.

My mother was standing off by a far corner of the room surrounded by my Aunt Madeline, Roman's mother, Roman, Lily, and Stella. They all paused their conversation when they saw me approach.

"Rob! I've been looking for you all evening. Come give your Aunt Maddie a kiss," my Aunt said, offering her cheek to me. I kissed her brusquely, and turned my glare at my mother.

"What's up with you, Rob? You look like you could murder someone right now," Stella said.

"I could," I said, still keeping my eyes trained on my mother.

To her credit, she looked me straight in the eye, not even flinching or showing any sign of discomfort or guilt. "A word with you, mother," I said, darkly.

"Oh please, Robert. What's gotten into your head now? Just let it out. We're all family here," she said, sounding exasperated.

I gnashed my teeth in frustration. The last thing I wanted to do was get into this private matter with her in front of Roman, his mother and Lily. Stella was looking a little too interested for my liking too. Instead, I clamped down on my annoyance and tried to smile lightly. It felt like my mouth was made of cement, and I was sure it came out like a grimace.

"I noticed you invited Cordelia Crenshaw tonight," I said.

I had the satisfaction to see her momentarily blush, but she matched my casual tone. "Yes, I had er--forgotten about that. I saw Cordelia at the Forrester's the other week and invited her on a whim."

I didn't believe her for a second, but I knew that was all I'd get out of her right now. I wasn't about to pick an argument in front of all these people either, especially on her anniversary, so I reluctantly let it go. I turned back around, looking for Emilia. Now that I'd gotten that off my chest, regardless of how unsatisfactory it had been, I felt more in control of my emotions, and could greet her with some modicum of civility.




A familiar laugh arrested my attention and I saw Emilia chatting with none other than Peter Stanwick. I almost wanted to throw my hands up in frustration or punch a wall. Could this night get any worse? Peter Stanwick was a prick, and another person whose presence here tonight irked me. I turned back to my mother again and lifted an eyebrow at her, daring her to explain why she invited him. Instead she just shrugged and sipped on her champagne.

Emilia was leaned in close to Peter--too close--and was whispering in his ear. The sight sent a rush of red hot jealousy coursing through me. She was flirting with him shamelessly, and in my own home no less.

His arm reach out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear and I almost lost it. I was just about to make my way over to break up their little tete a tete when I felt a hand on my arm. Roman was looking at me with concern and shook his head. I wanted to shake him off, but another laugh drew my attention, and I looked up to see Emilia and Peter walking away arm in arm.

Humiliated didn't even begin to describe how I felt. I couldn't stand the pitying looks from those around me. I knew our engagement was fake, but no one else but Stella, Roman, and possibly Lily knew. The scene we'd all just witnessed made me look like a fool in front of everyone.

I wanted to follow them and beat the ever loving shit out of Peter Stanwick, but that would have caused a bigger scene at my parent's party. And I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of letting her know she had gotten to me. Instead, I shook myself free of Roman's grasp and walked toward Cordelia.





Chapter 18: Emilia



Peter Stanwick was a perv and boring on top of it all. What a mistake it had been for me to go off with him. We were standing outside on the balcony while he went on and on about some vacation he took with the 11th Earl of whatever. I'd stopped listening as soon as we'd gone outside.

When I'd first arrived at the party, my eyes scanned for Rob's familiar form. I'd taken extra care tonight with my appearance, hoping foolishly to impress him. After my talk with his mother this morning, I began to wonder if maybe I should take a chance and try a little harder to let him know how I felt. His mother seemed to accept me, and maybe Rob just needed a little nudging to admit his feelings.

As soon as I spotted him, my face lit up. But that was short lived. He looked over at me and our eyes met, and for a fraction of a second, I felt like the world stopped turning. Then I noticed that frown on his face and the anger he seemed to be projecting toward me. The illusion was gone, and instead of feeling hopeful, I felt depressed and angry instead.

Now I knew how stupid I'd been, yet again. It seemed like I'd never learn my lesson when it came to Rob. He would never change. It was pathetic of me to keep having these hopes, when he'd made it crystal clear that our relationship was fake, and only a temporary thing. He'd practically begged to be let out of the contract early, but it was only my stubbornness and pride that forced him to stay.

I walked into the ballroom carefully, not wanting to trip on my Elie Saab gown. All eyes were on me and the last thing I needed was to face plant into the ground. Once I made it inside, I expected Rob to at least come over to say hi, if only for appearance sake. I was his fiancée, after all.