Without waiting for her answer, I turned and walked toward the staircase, moving slowly. Halfway up the stairs I looked back.
Luvena was staring at Jareth with fury and humiliation.
Jareth rubbed his temples like a man trapped in deep water.
I entered our bedroom and closed the door. The smile disappeared instantly.
I rushed into the bathroom and rubbed my lips harshly with the back of my hand until they stung. Then I turned on the shower to cover any sound.
I sat on the edge of the bathtub while my heart pounded.
My crystal communicator vibrated on the counter. I picked it up. A message from Uncle Marcellus.
Uncle Marcellus: [Everything is ready. The private jet is prepared. Your transfer has been approved. You may leave whenever you wish.]
I stared at the screen.
“Soon,” I whispered softly to the empty room.
“Just one more performance.”
I stood before the tall mirror in my room, smoothing the soft silk of my emerald green gown. The dress had an open back and a graceful cut. It was elegant and costly.
Tonight was my armor.
Jareth had reserved a private dinner cruise across the harbor.
This was his way of strengthening the illusion. He wanted to prove to himself and to everyone watching that we were still the perfect bonded pair. The devoted Alpha and his Luna. Exactly what his grandfather expected to see.
I walked downstairs.
Jareth was already waiting in the entrance hall, glancing down at his watch. He looked handsome in his black suit, every inch the loyal mate.
“You look stunning,” he said as he lifted his head.
That admiration in his eyes was genuine.
But that only made it sad. He loved the beautiful Luna at his side, not the woman inside.
“Thank you,” I said as I stepped down the last stair. “Shall we leave?”
“The carriage is ready.”
He offered his arm and I placed my hand on it.
Just as we reached the door, the sharp sound of heels echoed through the hallway. We both turned.
Luvena stood there.
Her dress was barely worthy of the name. It was a shining silver slip that barely reached her thighs. The neckline fell dangerously low. Her makeup was dark and smoky, and her lips were painted a deep crimson.
Jareth stiffened beside me. His grip on my arm tightened.
“Where are you going?” he asked sharply.
Luvena smiled lazily as she adjusted the strap of her purse.
“Out. It is Friday night. I am heading to a club.”