Leila
I sat there, my face burning, my legs trembling. What the hell? I thought. What kind of game is he playing? In front of his family, in front of mine—he was treating me like a toy, something to be played with when he got bored. I wanted to scream, to stand up and throw my wine in his face, but I stayed seated. I kept my smile intact.
The rest of the dinner passed in a blur. Lucas kept up his act—refilling my glass, passing me rolls, whispering jokes that made me want to both laugh and slap him. By the time dessert was served, I was exhausted.
When the last guest had left, Lucas took my arm, guiding me through the dining room and out into the royal courtyard. The evening air was cool, carrying the scent of jasmine from the garden. I hugged my elbows to my chest, shivering.
Lu
