DARK SEDUCTION

Chapter:55

I was thinking hard on how to get Max’s attention because the couple seemed too in love with themselves to notice anyone. What was this pang I was feeling when he kissed her? Shaking my head, I pasted a small smile on my face and sought the face of the one I was here with my date. He was grinding his jaw and staring at the couple. I couldn’t determine what was wrong, but following his gaze, it landed straight on Leila. Why was he staring at her that way? Did they have a history or something? Inwardly, I groaned just great.

When she was just a few feet away, Max turned, as if sensing her presence. Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else disappeared. His expression was unreadable, a mix of surprise and something else she couldn’t quite place.

The song ended luckily, and even the couples had to exchange partners. Before I could even blink, Ethan already had Leila in his arms, and she didn’t look too happy about it.  And Max had me in his arms, I must have been staring too intently because Leila turned to look at me. I waited for the flicker of recognition, which never came. Biting my lip and pouting like a child, I decided all this was no use if she didn't recognize me. Even the person I plotted so hard against didn’t recognize me. I made my way to the bar after the song ended and sat quietly seething. I ordered a glass of the strongest alcohol they had. I poured it down my throat and felt the comforting burn of the alcohol. I kept drinking until my head felt light, and I began to feel tingly. Giggling, I went back to the dance floor, and I danced with abandon. The music was fast-paced. I was so engrossed in the music that I didn’t even feel when the pin holding my hair fell off, and my hair fell in thick red waves down my back and I was taken back into strong muscular arm.

I smiled looking up at Max, hoping it looked more confident than she felt, your very hand some, I muttered drowning in his ocean blue eyes. “I could say the same about you.”

Max’s gaze traveled over her, taking in her appearance with subtle appreciation. “You look stunning,” he said, his tone sincere.

“Thank you,” Anna replied, her heart fluttering at the compliment. She suddenly felt self-conscious, aware of every detail of her outfit, every strand of hair out of place. But there was something else too a thrill, a spark that had been missing for so long. She felt alive in a way she hadn’t in months, and she realized with a start that it was because of him.

“What brings you to this party?” Max asked, taking a sip of his drink.

“I was invited,” Anna replied, feeling slightly bolder. “And you?”

“Its my party,” he said with a faint smile. “Though I must admit, I’m glad to be in the presence of a beautiful, smart woman.”

Anna’s pulse quickened at the implication behind his words was he really flirting with her during his own engagement party, the man was really a terrible flirt. Was he glad to see her?  Did her recognize her? Or was it something else? She couldn’t tell, and that uncertainty both excited and terrified her.

They fell into conversation, the tension between them both electric and familiar. They talked about the party, about mutual acquaintances, carefully skirting around the more personal topics that loomed between them. But beneath the surface, there was an undercurrent of something deeper, something neither of them was willing to acknowledge just yet.

As they spoke, Anna found herself relaxing. Max had always had that effect on her his calm demeanor and easy charm soothed her nerves. But tonight, there was something different. He seemed more distant, more guarded, and she couldn’t help but wonder why, then once again it dawned on her that she was really flirting with someones fiancee at the engagement party, speculative eyes were already being cast and questions were already being asked about  her as the people in attendance murmured their disapproval.