Ghungroo - The Siren Call of Lovers (#1 - Completed)

Chapter 26 - Let's Dance

Chapter 26

Back inside the reception room the party is in full swing. People are laughing and talking and the champagne is flowing. I need a drink of water so go over to the bar and get some.

I spot a bowl of mints and pop one into my mouth. The taste of what Riaan and I just did clings to me and I hope the mint will make it disappear.

I stand there at the bar for a bit, gathering my thoughts and composing myself. I take the lip gloss that Phillipe has stashed inside the loaned bag and run it over my lips.

They feel swollen and all I can think about is Riaan's teeth biting down on them only moments ago.

I need to stop thinking about Riaan. Actually, I need to stop thinking. Period.

I go looking for Rahul and find him talking with Stephanie.

Thankfully, Jack is nowhere to be found.

Guilt wracks through me. I'm a terrible person. I was only minutes ago, kissing Riaan so wantonly only meters away.

No, it was Riaan that kissed me.

But, it's not like you even tried to stop it, now did you Layla?

Stephanie is wearing a beautiful red cocktail dress.

Thank God Phillipe had stopped me from using the red dress I tried on first.

I grudgingly admit that she looks lovely. She's well put together. Everything about her is immaculate.

"Well, there you are! I was looking for you. Again, might I add. Where were you?" Rahul asks.

I avoid his question. If he had stuck beside me and not wandered off himself, chatting to random people I didn't know, then that kissing episode with Riaan would never have happened now.

Really, Layla? Are you really so pathetic that you're blaming Rahul for your bad behavior now?

"Hi Stephanie," I say. "Stunning party. You look lovely."

I keep quiet then and go on sipping at my water. I plaster what I hope to be a pleasant smile on my face.

Riaan is back from the gazebo and comes and joins us. Well, at least he has recovered. I'm still shaking inside.

"Thanks," Stephanie says. "I see you are in white. How very...virginal."

God, I've tried with this woman. I've tried so hard, but the bottom line is, we don't like each other.

I had your fiancé's tongue down my throat not more than twenty minutes ago. How virginal is that, you snooty bitch?

This is quite a bitchy thought to have but I cannot help it. It gives me a bit of relief from my anger.

It's what I want to say. But instead, I reply politely, but with as much sarcasm.

I'm done with the nice talk.

"Well, I guess we are all dressed in character today, aren't we?"

I make a point of looking at her vamp red dress and lifting an eyebrow.

No rich, snooty bitch is going to get the better of me. Not at this point in my life. I've worked too hard to take crap from anyone.

Rahul almost chokes on his drink. Riaan's eyes light up with mirth, but he remains silent.

Stephanie's smirk falters.

Well, at least I've got the desired effect.

"I don't know, white does seem to be Layla's colour."