The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 2

Jasper spins me around again and lifts me in the air, his hands firmly on my waist as he slowly lowers me. I look up and my eyes land on Rixon as he enters the room, looking unbelievably handsome in his black tux and mask. His dark eyes land on me, his lips twitch into a brief smile before he grabs a glass of champagne and disappears into the crowd.

As the song starts to come to an end, Jasper spins me, so I pirouette a couple of times before tugging me roughly back against his chest. My hands press against his pecs to hold myself in place and he lifts my leg to wrap it around his waist, just as the final note ceases.

'A little extra don't you think' I tease, gesturing at my leg.

'Never.' He grins and releases me; Lucia and Aria applaud loudly as we walk back over to them.

I catch glimpses of Rixon throughout the evening, we avoid each other so as not to attract attention. He keeps himself obscured by the crowd, but I feel his eyes on constantly, it's reassuring.

'Are you okay You seem distracted,' Lucia comments and I feel shit that my friends don't know anything about how awkward it is between me and my parents.

'Um, yeah, I'm fine,' I lie, taking a large gulp of champagne.

A beautiful singer takes to the stage, usually mum likes me to sing, but this year I got her to hire someone. It would have been awkward to plan anything together with us barely speaking, and I'm not sure I'd even be able to hit a note without shaking tonight, there's too much on my mind.

'She's good, how come you didn't want to sing' Aria asks and I spot Rixon coming towards me.

'Nerves,' I tell her, handing her my glass of champagne, 'Excuse me,' I leave my friends and meet Rixon as he weaves through the guests.

'Hi.' I smile, feeling stupid that I'm so excited to see him.

'Hey. You look stunning,' he compliments me, his fingers gently brushing the edge of the mask, lightly touching my cheek.

'Thank you, you look incredible,' I take a step closer and run my hands down the front of his blazer, feeling the unrelenting muscle beneath it.

We step apart and obscure ourselves behind a large group of people as we wait for the song to finish. Once it does, I know the singer will move onto her final song before midnight, when the masks come off.

My heart pounds nervously in anticipation, but a quick squeeze of Rixon's hand around mine makes everything worth it.

As the singer trails off, couples leave the dance floor whilst others join it. Rixon leads me into the middle and deftly pulls me into his arms.

The singer begins the song I requested and Rixon moves perfectly, leading me around the room. I barely notice her beautiful voice hitting each note as I just stare into his dark eyes, wondering how I got so lucky, and why my parents can't see what I see.

I can smell his cologne, which is good, because it's masking his scent. Hopefully my parents are too busy entertaining guests to pay any attention to who I'm dancing with.

All too soon, the song comes to an end and Rixon pulls me close. Our attraction is palpable, he leans down, and his lips move confidently and ardently over mine. My eyes fall closed, and I press my palms against his warm chest, feeling his strong heartbeat thud quickly under my hand.

I know if I'm with him, I've got everything I need.

The clock chimes twelve times for midnight and I hear my Mother claim the stage and announce that everyone should remove their masks.

Rixon reaches behind my head and undoes the silver ribbon, I pull my mask off my face and smile at him. I then reach and undo his mask; he slides it off and winks at me.

My hand freezes as my Mother gasps, still stood in front of the microphone, it echoes around the room and the ballroom falls silent.

I can feel everyone's eyes on us, but we just look at each other.

Suddenly, my father's voice shouts out, 'Guards!'

'Time to leave perhaps,' Rixon comments dryly and takes my hand in his.

We walk across the room, but my father and three guards step in our way.

'Grab him and get him out of here,' Dad yells, his face back to that ugly shade of crimson.

'No need, we were just leaving.' I smile sadly and let Rixon lead me out of the room.

'Are you really going to turn your back on your own family for that rogue That shadow soldier' Dad's voice booms over the whispers of the crowd.

As I glance to the side, I see the horrified faces of our friends, clueless as to what Rixon's job really was.

Well, I guess now they know.

'I warned you, Dad, you brought this on yourself,' I tell him quietly, I look over at my mother, who is crying silently, shaking her head at me in disbelief.

'I love you,' I say, looking at both of them one last time before leaving with Rixon.

We step out into the chilly night air and the strangest feeling comes over, a giggle escapes my mouth, and soon turns into full—on, hysterical laughter.

Rixon gives me a funny look.

'Lex You okay' He asks whilst leading me towards his car.

'Yeah I think I'm just in shock, I just can't believe how awkward we've made the night for everyone in there, Mum's crying and Dad's made a scene,' I explain, laughing again at the horrific—ness of it all.

God, what have I done

My smile falls as the severity of my actions sink in.

'Oi,' Rixon calls, and I look up at him. 'I love you,' He tells me.

I know that everything that's just happened, was so, so worth it. I get into the car, checking that my stuff, packed and ready, is in the back.

I reach for his hand, holding it tightly as he pulls out down my drive.

'I love you too, take me home.'

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