Hunting Her

Chapter 34

I stepped back out into the ballroom, the air thick with anticipation and tension. My heart pounded, as I made my way toward Dominic, who was casually leaning against one of the grand, ornate walls. Every step I took was calculated, my mind racing with thoughts of what was to come.

As I approached, his eyes lit up with a mischievous glint, and he pushed himself away from the wall, straightening to his full height. "Seeking me out? I would say that's a new one, but we both know you've been screaming my name to every person you come across."

I gave him a dainty smile, masking the storm of emotions inside me. "Screaming your name?" I laughed lightly and offered him my hand. "I bet you've been dreaming about that one."

Dominic's laughter echoed softly in the grand hall as he took my hand, guiding me back to the dance floor with a fluid grace. He pulled me close, his voice a low purr in my ear, "You have no idea."

I bit back a retort, keeping my composure. "I've certainly heard all about how much you love my 'pretty' face."

Dominic spun me effortlessly before gently pulling me back in, his face now inches from mine. "It is rather pretty," he murmured as we moved around the ballroom, the other dancers making room for us. "I especially love it when it's pulled up in that little snarl of yours."

"That's perfect," I said, letting a hint of sarcasm slip into my tone as I stepped on his foot, masking the action with a smile. "I usually save that look for you."

"So, what's the plan, Lexa?" he asked with undue casualness, his voice a silky drawl. "You flirt with me, distract me, and then what?"

I laughed, a sharp, almost vicious sound. "Are you admitting that I am distracting you?"

"Cute," he bit back, wrinkling his nose. "And you are rather distracting. That dress is beautiful."

"Flattery will get you nowhere," I retorted, lifting my chin defiantly.

He tapped my nose lightly, an infuriating gesture. "That's where you're wrong. If you compliment me, I might let you into my plans."

I rolled my eyes, deciding to play along. "That suit fits you well."

He grinned, a predatory smile. "That was a little tragic, but I'll give it to you." He twirled me again before catching me by surprise and dipping me low. His breath warmed my ear as he whispered, "I know you're not alone, Lexa."

My blood ran cold. I didn't have time to react. I didn't have time to think as a huge explosion echoed through the room, the ground trembling beneath our feet.

Hercules's distraction? But it was too early; I hadn't been warned. Panic set in as the music stopped abruptly, replaced by screams and the sound of shattering glass. People began to rush for the exits as the lights flickered and died, plunging the room into chaos.

This wasn't the plan. Something was wrong.

In the emergency light filtered through the room, shining red onto everything. Dominic's face looked truly sinister. "I know about Jack," he muttered, still holding me tight. "I know about little Aaron." His grip tightened as he glared down at me. "I know about all your little friends."

He grabbed my arm, dragging me away from the centre of the room. I managed to land a kick against his shin, but he responded by slamming my head into a pillar and lifting me over his shoulder. The room spun, blood dripping down the side of my face. But I wasn't done. I elbowed him in the face, eliciting an annoyed grunt.

I had to get away, find the others.

He held onto me tightly, almost making it across the room until a blur crashed into him, knocking us both to the ground. I scrambled out from under Dominic, my vision clearing just enough to see Parker standing up, a small smile on his face as our eyes met. The red light flickered above us, casting eerie shadows as the three of us sized each other up.