Ruthless

66

Edward set the phone down in the nearby chest drawer.

Then, without missing a beat, he started to dance.

But it wasn't anything I had expected. Edward's moves were exaggerated and ridiculous, mocking the overly sensual dance moves girls do these days when trying to look hot. His hips swayed dramatically, and his hands slid down his body in an even more dramatic way.

My lips twitched, fighting to hold back the laughter threatening to escape. The sight of Edward, usually so composed and serious, acting like this was too much. I had never seen this playful side of him before.

Still dancing, Edward moved closer to me, extending his hand. His face was so serious, yet it looked so funny at the moment. "Come on. Join me."

I shook my head, sinking further into the chair. But Edward, being Edward, wasn't one to let things go so easily. In one swift motion, he grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet, spinning me around before I even had time to protest.

I stumbled a little, but Edward's hands found my hips, guiding me to move with the rhythm of the music. At first, I was stiff, my body unwilling to cooperate, but soon, his playfulness wore down my resistance. I laughed, letting him guide me, even though I had no idea how to dance. Together, we moved through the room, twirling and swaying with the beat, our laughter filling the space around us.

After a few more songs, we finally came to a stop, both of us breathless and laughing in the middle of the room. I hadn't expected to enjoy myself, but here we were...caught in a moment of unexpected fun.

As I struggled to catch my breath, I noticed that Edward didn't seem a bit out of breath or exhausted.

Taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart, I glanced up and realized how close Edward's lips were to mine. Edward was already staring at my mouth, his eyes darkened with something I couldn't quite name.

Before I could think it through, I acted on impulse. I grabbed his collar and pulled him down, pressing my lips to his, initiating the kiss for the first time. At that moment, I didn't care about right or wrong. I didn't care about the consequences. If this was a sin, then I would gladly commit it, if only for the brief moments of happiness it brought.

Surprisingly, it was Edward...this complicated, arrogant, frustrating man...who gave me that happiness. I have to admit Edward is my guilty pleasure, just as I was his. And with every passing day, that guilt was slowly fading away and it honestly scared me.

************

I quickened my pace, still following the maid down the empty hallway. The soft echo of our footsteps filling the atmosphere. "Do you have any idea why I was called?" I asked, my voice hushed but laced with curiosity.

She glanced over her shoulder at me with an apologetic look. "I'm afraid I don't, ma'am. I'm sorry."

I gave a tight nod and replied 'It's okay' softly.

Being called in the middle of the night, and by Faith of all people, had my nerves on edge and had set off all kinds of alarms in my head. It didn't sit right. Something about this felt wrong...absolutely wrong.

My mind raced for answers but all it did was spiral my thoughts. I sighed, more confused than ever.

When we reached the hall, everyone was already there, seated in silence. Their faces were void of any emotion. It was eerie. The silence and the blank expression they all shared only deepened my confusion and had me wonder if something terrible had happened—or worse, if I had done something wrong.

I racked my brain for anything I might have done that could have landed me in trouble, but nothing came to mind.

Faith stood from her seat, taking five or six deliberate steps towards me. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her expression sharp. I blinked, my brow furrowing in confusion.