The din of the ballroom – or whatever it was – rushed over me like a wave as I stepped back in, my hearing muffled in my jealous distraction. I barely noticed the cold smiles and subtle sneers that everyone sent my way. But I still shrunk into my own body, desperate to curl up into the tiny dark space in the deepest part of me.
The part of me that no one could reach. Where no one else could be ashamed of me.
I faked a smile, trying my best to stay out of everyone’s way.
It didn’t work.
Slim fingers dug into my bicep, a low, husky voice speaking into my ear. The hubbub only made Ari’s voice seem louder as it bounced around the inside of my head. “Margaux,” she purred, “Do come over here and meet some of my friends. Everyone is dying to get a piece of you.”
I wasn’t sure there was e
