Soulmates & Twin Flames

51 - Crossroads

As I walk past the tables, guests are clapping and whispering about how awkward Nate's speech was. I don't stop and head into the mansion. I have to find a place to hide. Fast. I need a moment, or I'll lose my mind. Why did I drink so much?

Finally! A bathroom. An elderly lady is walking out, offering me a polite smile. I hurry inside, lock the door and splash water on my face. Again. And then once again.

But the cool water dripping down my neck does nothing to quell the fire in my chest.

Deep breath in. Slow breath out.

Nate is a hero for standing up for me. But I need to know that he trusts me. I didn't do anything wrong!

'...yet,' my inner demon chirps in. 'Wait until we meet Roman by the east wing.'

I slap my cheeks and whisper, "Stop this. I'm not going down that path."

More clapping and cheers reach me as I pat my face dry. The speeches must be over, but fuck... Is the pale, shaky woman in the mirror really me? I shut my eyes and take a deep breath. "God, please, I need this night to end."

Can I stay here until the party is over? The toilet isextremelylush, and the lavender air freshener is somewhat tolerable...

I can't believe I'm actually considering this.

Yeah, I'drather go upstairs and wait in the bedroom. But which one is ours? I don't even have the keys or my phone with me.

Okay, new plan. I'll grab my stuff, find Nate, and tell him I'm leaving.

After giving my reflection a brave nod, I step out of the bathroom and head to the garden.

The sun has set behind the pines, but the sky is still a deep shade of blue, getting darker. Large candles across the grass and fairy lights give the greenery a magical glow. The bridal table is empty now, and a band is playing a romantic waltz on the empty dance floor.

Did I miss the first dance? I fix my bangs and blow out a deep breath.

I'm glad I missed the first fucking dance.

Tiffany is walking around the guests, touching their shoulders and mingling with her friends. I crane my neck to see if I can spot Nate, but he isn't at my table or near the dance floor.

How am I supposed to find him among so many guests? How many people are here anyway? Three hundred? Four?

One of my heels digs into the grass, and my ankle twists again.

"Fuck..." I draw a sharp breath. "Just fucking great." It's the same spot I injured earlier.

Leaning on the yellow stone wall, I rub the painful area and adjust my heels. I hate walking on the grass with these. Why didn't I wear flats—

A hand grabs my wrist and pulls me away from the wall.

I gasp. The familiar touch burns my skin.

No, no, no...

I part my lips to object, but instead, a humm rattles through my throat. "Hmm..."

My heart throbs as Roman presses a hand over my mouth. Then he pulls me around the corner and into the shadows. My ankle still hurts, but the pain feels distant now. The world feels shaky, like a dream, and the only real thing is his palm against my lips.

Roman presses me against the grainy wall, and I find myself staring into his caramel eyes. His pupils widen as Roman slowly distances himself away from my body. His hand slips off my lips and glides on my arm.