The Spark of a Revolution {Book 2 in the Daughter Trilogy} Watty Awards 2015

Chapter 7

  Charley keeps his arm at my waist as we enter the mansion.

  The Doorman stops us, not removing his eyes from a clipboard. I remove blink my eyes under my lace mask, turning to look at Charley whose white mask hides his clear Capitol smile.

  "Elle Turnbridge and Conrad Pendleton." I say calmly.

  "Oh yes, here you are. Have a nice night." He says smiling.

  I walk confidently through the massive double doors, music ringing in my ears. The smell of alcohol so overwhelming I feel sick just standing here.

  The green eyed girl and Max enter the mansion, wearing a color schemed outfit and masks, and linked by the arm, in a rather cozy fashion.

  "Good afternoon, I don't believe we have been properly introduced." I say reaching my hand out towards the bright blue eyed girl.

  "Emer- I mean Emma." She replies taking my hand and linking on to Max once again.

  "Nice to see you Peter." I say to Max, with a Capitol smile.

  A small waiter offers us champagne, and Charley and "Emma" take it without question. I grab one several seconds later, while Max is left empty handed.

  "He might as well drink." Charley whispers in my ear.

  "Yes I would love to dance!" I say covering up the mysterious whisper.

  Eli enters the room, looking Charming as always. His smile is equivalent to that of a dog in a denchers commercial, big and fake. His mask is black with gold accents. He wears jeans and a black suit jacket, a gold bow tie topping of the look.

  He walks towards us casually his smile fading as he sees Max's accomplice.

  "Emmy." He says his eyes not meeting hers.

  "Eli." She says under her breath.

  "How wonderful to see you all, I am going to go get a drink." He says as he moves towards the bar.

  I look down, trying to avoid the awkwardness.

  "How about that dance?" Charley says changing the subject perfectly.

  "Oh yes." I reply, allowing him to lead me towards the dance floor.

  We shuffle through the crowd of waltzing people.

  "Have you ever waltzed?" He asks smiling.

  "Not unless being picked up by your father and then being flown around the house counts." he shakes his head, "Then no, I have never waltzed."

  "Just follow my lead." He replies, a malicious grin forming on his face.

  I raise my eyebrows, hesitant.

  "Very well." I say, doubt evident in my words.

  He starts off slow, so we are simply swaying back and forth, before the whole crowd starts swaying in sync. The steps grow harder and quicker, as Charley lifts me off the ground and slowly spins me around my hands on his shoulders. 

  I smile looking into his eyes.

  Examining his gorgeous features.

  He begins to let me fall towards the ground, slowly and steadily.

  A sharp intake of breath is heard as my face comes extremely close to his. I lean in expecting a kiss, instead he gives me a small peck on the cheek.

  "Not here." He touches my face.

  I look down.

  I close my eyes memories flowing into my brain of when Max used to touch me like that.