Chapter 155

Chapter 155:

Through the corners of my eyes, I caught Jasmine glaring at me. Good.

“So we’re not clinking glasses, or?” she asked guardedly.

I shrugged; no way was I taking anything from her into my mouth, especially after what she did to Jasmine. I still hadn’t forgiven her, but since we were both putting on shows—she trying to paint a perfect picture for the public and I, on the other hand, trying to spite Jasmine—I didn’t mind. It was a win-win situation.

“You know the answer,” I replied flatly. By this point, I wasn’t even paying attention to her anymore. My crisp response was meant to put her off. I didn’t wait to see her reaction; it was the least of my problems.

My eyes kept drifting back to the dance floor, to where Jasmine was—precisely where she was, as we spoke, or as she spoke. That’s when I saw him—Enzo, with his thick black hair and charming smile, dancing with my baby Vixen, Jasmine. His large hands encircled her waist, holding her like she was his. A low growl built inside me.

“How about a dance?” she offered. Was this girl dumb or what? If I wasn’t going to take a drink from her, was a dance any different?

“I think I’ll pass on your second offer, Isabel,” I forced out, trying to keep my cool. “I don’t think I’m interested p>

But my eyes betrayed me, locked onto Enzo and Jasmine. They swayed gently to the music, lost in their own world. Whatever silly world it was, she’d just met him for the first time, and she was already acting cozy and rosy with him. My jaw ticked. I felt a wave of possessiveness, my gut twisting with anger, and probably disgust too.

Isabel’s voice snapped me back to reality.

“Come on, Ryder. It’ll be fun. Just one dance p>

I turned to her, my eyes narrowing. I didn’t want to encourage Isabel’s delusion, but then I saw Enzo’s hands drift lower, almost grazing Jasmine’s ass. I threw all caution to the wind. That was it.

“Sure,” I said, my voice tight, as I accepted Isabel’s offer. I led her onto the dance floor, my eyes locked on the dancing duo. If Isabel sensed my attention had drifted, she was wise enough not to mention it. Instead, she leaned her head against my chest. As for the drink, I handed the waiter my glass of whiskey, never breaking my gaze.

As we danced, I couldn’t help but notice Enzo’s smirk. I didn’t need more info to know he was likely flirting with her; his body language said it all. Jasmine, to my annoyance, was entertaining him without any discomfort. He thought he’d won.

𝖥𝗂𝗋𝗌𝗍 𝖈𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗈𝗇𝗅𝗒 𝗈𝗇 g𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝗌⨳𝖈𝗈𝗆

“Smile, Ryder,” Isabel whispered, looking up at me. Her hands trailed down my chest, much to my disgust, but I overlooked it. “We’re having fun p>

Fun indeed. Not with Enzo’s hands still on Jasmine. Not with this rage building inside me. If his presence didn’t serve a greater purpose, I would have beaten him to a pulp, but now would be stupid. I had to place the pack first.

The music ended, and I pulled away from Isabel.

“Thanks for the dance,” she said, smiling awkwardly and batting her lashes at me encouragingly. As if…

It was only too typical of her to want more. Well, there wasn’t going to be more. I pulled away from her with a curt nod and made my way toward the exit. I couldn’t hold it in. I needed to get out of here before I lost control.

“Ryder, wait!” Isabel called out.

I ignored the sound of her voice, growing oblivious to my surroundings, my feet moving away from the dance floor, away from Enzo’s Casanova moves, and away from the temptation to lose my cool.

I burst through the doors into the cool night air, allowing it to wrap me in its cool embrace. The stars above twinkled in the sky like shards of diamonds, but I didn’t see them. All I saw was red.

My breath felt so heavy in my chest. I gripped the banister so tightly that its imprints were left on my palms. The chilly November wind didn’t faze me. Nothing mattered. The last time I’d been this angry was probably when I found out she gave my necklace to Jason. The silent treatment had worked its magic, and now I could vent openly. I would have beaten the hell out of Jason, but the moon goddess made sure our paths didn’t cross.

If Enzo hadn’t been Enzo, I would have beaten him to a pulp. But if I had, which would have been wild and stupid, it wouldn’t just cost me an alliance—it would spark a feud I wasn’t ready for. And that was what pissed me off. The fact that I couldn’t retaliate. There really wasn’t any other way to get back at Jasmine in this cruel game we played. Shit! Shit! Shit!