Aurora's POV
"What was that?"
Damien does not wait until we are fully out of earshot before he says it. His hand is still wrapped around my elbow, too tight to pass for affection now. He pulls me into a side corridor just off the main hall and turns me toward him with a smile still fixed on his face for anyone who might be watching.
"I was talking," I say.
"To Sebastian Reed?" His voice stays low, but the pressure on it sharpens. "And my father's guests? And Vincent Reed?" He gives a short laugh that does not sound like laughter at all. "Aurora, what exactly are you doing tonight?"
For one second, I almost told him the truth.
Watching you panic has become one of my favorite things.
Instead, I tilt my head and keep my voice even. "You brought me here to make an impression. I thought
