Handcuffs And Kisses (Series #1)

Chapter 24

Lilian Carson POV

The lavishness of the room couldn't hide the sinister undertone in the air. Gilded chandeliers hung low, their crystals refracting light across the sprawling space. The polished marble floors glistened underfoot, every step echoing in the cavernous silence that followed the earlier commotion.

Alexander placed me gently on a velvet chair tucked in the corner of the room. The party still going on, everyone unknown of the mess we just created.

My knee throbbed from the fall earlier, the torn fabric of my dress revealing a bloodied gash. He knelt down, his hands moving with the precision of a surgeon as he examined the wound.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed a small bar cart laden with bottles of liquor and crystal glasses. Alexander grabbed a bottle of vodka without hesitation, unscrewing the cap with one swift motion.

I flinched when the cold liquid splashed over the cut, the sharp sting pulling a hiss from my lips.

"Alcohol's a good disinfectant," he murmured, his tone clinical as he dabbed at the wound with a clean cloth. The smell of the vodka mixed with the faint metallic tang of blood, making my stomach churn.

My chest tightened as I thought of Eustace, his lifeless body abandoned in the chaos.

"Why are we even here, Alexander?" I demanded, my voice sharper than intended. "What's the point of all this?"

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned back on his heels, running a hand through his disheveled hair. His gaze flicked to mine, a faint shadow crossing his expression.

"Dance with me," he said abruptly, standing and offering his hand.

I blinked. "Are you serious?"

"Completely," he replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.

With reluctance, I placed my hand in his. He pulled me to my feet, his arm sliding around my waist while his other hand intertwined with mine. The rhythm of a distant waltz guided his movements as he led me across the room.

Despite my throbbing knee, Alexander's steps were so smooth, so effortless, that I found myself following his lead without thought. His touch was steady, his gaze piercing.

"This doesn't answer my question," I said softly, my voice barely audible over the music.

"You're asking questions you're not ready to hear the answers to," he replied, his lips curving into a faint smirk.

I wanted to push, to demand the truth, but his proximity was disarming. The intensity in his eyes made my heart race in a way I didn't fully understand.

For a moment, I allowed myself to be swept up in the surreal intimacy of the moment. But reality came crashing back when I noticed the growing commotion near the far wall. Guards were gathering in clusters, pulling masks off guests and barking orders.

"They know something's wrong," Alexander murmured, his voice low but steady.

"Do they know about Eustace?" I asked, panic creeping into my tone.

Alexander's gaze met mine, calm but protective. "They suspect. But we're not leaving yet."

My stomach churned. "Not leaving? Are you insane? Alexander, they'll find us!"

"I have unfinished business," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "And I need a distraction."

He released me and walked toward the bar cart, his steps unhurried despite the growing tension in the room. My gaze followed him as he grabbed a glass of wine and pulled a different vial from his pocket.