The Game (Wagered Hearts Series, #3)(43)

I knew it was a mistake as soon as she agreed, but I was already too far gone. It was too late to turn back now. I'd had far too much to drink and had let my anger and hurt at Emilia get the better of me.

Cordelia was whispering something in my ear as we walked out toward one of the rear exits. I wasn't really listening to what she was saying. My mind was too distracted by the whiff of a familiar scent as we walked by. It was Emilia's perfume. I quickly looked up and caught a brief glimpse of her standing alone. She was looking in our direction. I didn't want her to catch me staring, so I turned my attention back to Cordelia.

I purposely steered us in Emilia's line of sight so that she wouldn't miss watching me leave with Cordelia. It was petty and mean spirited of me, and I felt a twinge of guilt as I saw Emilia's cool and composed facade cracked a little, the hurt evident on her face. But it was done. I couldn't take it back.

I didn't know what had gotten into me tonight--the past few weeks really. I'd never behaved so badly before. Now here I was with my ex-girlfriend acting like I was still into her, when nothing could be further from the truth.

When I saw Emilia leave the ballroom with Peter Stanwick, my blood was boiling and I had wanted to get back at her so badly. If she thought she could make a fool of me in front of all my friends and family, she was dead wrong. Two could play at that game, I had thought spitefully. But had I taken it too far? Right before I left, I glanced up and saw several people whispering furiously as we passed. I had a sinking feeling this would be in the papers tomorrow.

"Rob, did you hear what I said?"

I stared down at Cordelia blankly. "I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention," I admitted.

She giggled and smacked my arm playfully. "Everyone is looking at us," she whispered. "I wonder what they're thinking."

"I don't," I said. I already knew what they thought, and didn't need it confirmed.

We walked in silence for a bit, just circling around outside the house. We made a pass by the formal gardens and kept walking. Suddenly, I felt my arm being jerked and I stopped, looking back at Cordelia in confusion. She had an angry look on her face, with her arms crossed over her chest.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"What's wrong is I'm freezing and we've been walking out here forever. Where are you leading us?" she demanded.

"Oh, I uh...I'm not sure," I said. "I hadn't thought of that."

She looked at me in disbelief, before shivering visibly. I remembered my manners, and shook off my jacket and draped it over her shoulders. She relented and smiled at me approvingly.

"Thank you," she said.

"No need," I said. "Listen, I think this was a bad idea. Why don't we get you back inside so you can warm up?"

"Do you mean you've changed your mind...about us? It could be our little secret, you know," she suggested. "We could head up to your bedroom, or we can take my car--"

"I can't," I said cutting her off. "I'm sorry; I shouldn't have suggested it in the first place."

My guilt and remorse had finally caught up to me and I realized what a big mistake I had made. I knew right then that I had to find Emilia and apologize. I started walking back into the house, but before I could move past her, Cordelia grabbed my arm.

"What do you mean?"

"I can't explain right now, Cordelia. I just have to find Emilia," I said, jerking my arm free.

"I thought you said it was a fake engagement," I heard her yell, as I continued walking away. I didn't bother to answer her. It would take too long to explain and frankly, I didn't really care what she thought. I just knew I needed to find Emilia.

As soon as I walked into the ballroom, I could tell something was wrong. I scanned the crowd, trying to search for her, but I somehow knew she wouldn't be in here. Moving with a sudden sense of urgency, I made my way across the room to the double doors leading to the foyer and the bottom of the stairs.

Before I could make it halfway, I was stopped by my sister Stella and my mother. Both women had angry scornful looks on their faces. If I wasn't in such a hurry to leave, I'd have felt more than a sliver of dread seeing their expressions. But I had more important things to worry about. I tried to brush them aside, but they wouldn't budge. Instead, my mother practically manhandled me out of the ballroom and into a small private study, assisted by my surprisingly strong sister.

"What has gotten into you, Robert?" my mother hissed, once the door had closed.

"I should ask the same of you," I retorted.

"Stop trying to avoid the question, Rob," Stella added. "You're being a complete arse, you know that, right?"

"I'm really not in the mood to discuss this right now. If you two want to harp about my manners, you can do it another time. I've got other matters to attend to."

"You're too late," my mother said, as I moved to leave the study. I stopped in my tracks and turned back to stare at her.

"What did you say?" I asked.

"She's gone," Stella answered. "Left while you were out having your little tryst with Cordelia."

My mouth opened and closed for several seconds, like a fish out of water. I couldn't speak, could hardly think. Emilia was gone? And then I felt another surge of anger and jealousy. Had she left with Peter Stanwick? I should have known better. Here I was thinking she was hurt by my actions, but she'd already moved on to someone else.