Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2)(62)

Caine pays no attention to any of it. He stares at me while somehow still maintaining a perfect course. “No explanations, eh?” he continues when I don’t answer. “You always were cagey. All right, then, I’ll have to settle for the present. You’re here now.”

We pass through the doorway and sultry music fills the space between us. Caine bends until his lips are near my ear and says, “Dance with me.”

I let him lead me to the dance floor. If nothing else, it’s a better vantage point to spot a familiar and friendly face. Caine is plenty of both but for all the wrong reasons.

When we’re lost amid the dancers, he pulls me toward him in a tight embrace. I know better than to wiggle free or even complain. I tried that the first time I danced with Caine and it was almost a giveaway. The real Raven likes others’ hands on her body.

No matter which Raven I am tonight, dread fills me at what awaits at home. Titus made it clear: after tonight, he’s done with me.

Caine cuts a smooth path across the floor and I’m twirled and spun and released and caught until I forget to look for Obadiah or feel the weight of Titus’s eyes on me. He spins me hard and fast until my foot catches my own heel. I stumble, barreling into his chest.

I feel him shake with chuckling laughter and straighten, heat coloring my cheeks. Raven Rogen stumbling on the dance floor. Surely, I won’t live this down. But when I catch sight of his expression, I’m surprised to find it free of derision or teasing. His amusement is friendly, carefree. At his easy expression, I give in and laugh with him. Something inside me unwinds.

“Well, well, am I interrupting?”

I whirl and my smile dims. “Taylor, hey,” I say.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I thought we were going to meet at the bar.” She eyes Caine with mild disgust.

“Oh, right, I completely forgot.”

“Obviously you were caught up and your brain wasn’t functioning properly,” she says icily.

Instead of being offended by Taylor’s jab, Caine grins. “Hello to you too, Taylor. You look beautiful tonight. Want to dance?”

“Ugh.” Taylor rolls her eyes. “Please.”

“Well, since you asked nicely,” he says, his smile widening.

Taylor scowls and I elbow him, fighting a smile. Caine’s not my favorite but anyone who can shut Taylor up isn’t all bad in my book. “I’m going to get a drink. Are you coming?” Taylor asks me.

“Yes.” I step away from Caine. “Thank you for the dance. It was fun.”

Caine eyes me strangely and I realize I’ve done it again. I’ve been too nice. I consider throwing an insult in but it’s too late now. Besides that, he doesn’t deserve it, not this time, and I can’t bring myself to do it.

“Yeah. It was,” he says finally. “Save me one later?”

“Sure.” I follow Taylor, who is already cutting through swaying bodies.

On the way, I get three more offers to dance—two politicians’ sons and one oil tycoon who is old enough to be my grandfather. I decline all of them and keep walking. The slippery-smiled oiler follows me for a few steps and tries to grab my hand—or some other appendage—despite my decline, but I scoot around several twirling women in poofy dresses and manage to lose him. By the time I reach the bar, I’m sweating.

Taylor glances at me, her brows rising in a silent question, and turns to the bartender. “Two rum and Cokes on the rocks.”

He nods and moves away to make the drinks.

“I shouldn’t drink,” I say.

“You shouldn’t dance with Caine Rafferty either.”

“You hate him.”

Taylor pierces me with a sharp stare. “Once upon a time, we both hated him. Or don’t you remember?” She doesn’t give me a chance to answer before shaking her head and continuing, “Just one more thing to add to the list of Opposite Raven.”

I cringe but ask the question anyway. “What’s Opposite Raven?”

“You.” She folds her arms over her chest, hiding the neckline of her dress and making it look like the only thing covering her cleavage is her stance. “Ever since you hit your head, it’s like every day is opposite day with you. I’ve started calling you Opposite Raven. You never do or say what I expect anymore.”

I don’t know what to say. She’s nailed it. “Taylor—”

“Don’t.” She uncrosses her arms and holds up a hand. The bartender sets our drinks in front of us and moves away. I don’t question how she was able to order them or why she doesn’t have to pay. “Don’t waste your breath on another lie or vague excuse. I’m tired of it. You can either explain yourself now once and for all or we’re not friends anymore.”

I bite my lip, knowing I can’t agree to the first but I can’t afford the second. My deal with Titus hinges on convincing those around me. If he knows I can’t do that anymore … I swallow and shove away an image of Linc, beaten and bloody. “I don’t want to lie to you,” I say.

“Then don’t.”

Alton moves into my peripheral vision. Taylor scowls and shoots him a look before locking eyes with me again. A challenge. This is it.

Alton’s presence gives me an idea. It’s risky but it’s all I have. “Can I trust you?” I ask Taylor.