Suddenly, there was a click and the door to the safe swung open.
I whirled around in surprise. Wait—he’d actually managed to open it? Without thinking, I knelt down beside him to peer into the safe and gasped at what I saw.
Glittering jewels, rings, stacks of cash, and a small, oval-encrusted object that looked suspiciously like a Fabergé egg cluttered the safe’s shelves.
Casimir began rifling through the jewelry, searching for the necklace. He didn’t stop until he came across a small velvet case at the very back shelf. After peering inside, he shut the case and then turned to me with a triumphant grin.
“Wait, aren’t you going to let me see—” The words died in my throat at the sound of footsteps thudding down the cellar steps. Wide-eyed, I hissed, “What are we going to—” But Casimir was quicker. He closed the safe and slipped the velvet case into his pocket. Abruptly, he seized my shoulders, pushed me against the cellar wall, and pressed his lips to my neck. My entire body went rigid, my face blazing with heat at his sudden onslaught. I was too shocked to do anything but gasp, eyes wide as I beheld the girl who emerged from the stairs. It was Bryce.
“Oh!” Bryce cried in surprise. Her expression was nothing short of horrified. “Oh, I-I just came down to grab more wine…” Pink bloomed high on her cheeks as she grabbed a couple of bottles from a nearby case.
Casimir turned around to glance at her, a sheepish grin on his face. “Sorry about that,” he said, not sounding sorry at all. Of course, he wanted Bryce to think we’d come down here for privacy.
If it were possible to die of mortification, I’d be a corpse by now. Bryce ran back up the stairs, and Casimir released me, stepping back to give me space.
“Are you fucking insane?” I rasped, still clutching the place on my neck where his lips had just been.
“Not that I’m aware of,” he said, smoothing out his shirt. “I did warn you I might need you as a distraction.”
I gave an indignant huff. “You’re fucking unbelievable!”
Casimir merely shrugged.
“It’ll be all over the school by tomorrow. Bryce is a very accomplished gossip,” I groaned.
Casimir raised a brow. “Does that bother you?”
In lieu of answering, I muttered, “We’d better get back upstairs before anyone else sees us.”
“Now who’s being evasive?” he teased. “Why are you in such a hurry to get back?”
Because I’m afraid of being alone with you.
I glanced around at the crates of wine and champagne Bryce had purchased for the party, the sum of which must’ve cost more than my house. It was nice to get a break from the acrid scent of lies that permeated the foyer and parlor upstairs. I was reminded of the many lies people told when they were drunk. False compliments and flattery. Promises they couldn’t keep, or empty boasts they’d regret once the stupor of drink wore off. A noise escaped my throat, somewhere between a hysterical laugh and a groan, earning a strange look from Casimir.
I shook my head. “Coming here tonight reminded me why I don’t like parties,” I explained. “They positively reek of liars.”
Comprehension dawned over his face, and he broke into a dazzling grin. “You must suffer unduly,” he teased. “We must remember to bring you a pair of nose plugs next time.”
I snorted at the image. As we made our way back to the main floor, I couldn’t help but feel the ghost of Casimir’s lips like a brand on my neck.
He only kissed me to conceal our theft,I reminded myself. It didn’t mean anything.
I spurned the champagne proffered from a passing silver tray in favor of a glass of water. Maybe I ought to pace myself after all, I was beginning to feel woozy from the alcohol. Or maybe it was Casimir’s words making me feel dizzy.Maybe I haven’t corrupted you thoroughly enough.
Casimir tapped my shoulder. “I’ll be right back,” he said. “I need to say hello to someone.” He walked away and left me alone with my dizzying thoughts.
My thigh prickled at the memory of what he’d done in the cellar as the remnants of liquor buzzed in my veins. Why didn’t it bother me more that he’d stolen something, a necklace that didn’t belong to him?
The bar was still crawling with people laughing and talking, sloppily drunk and heedless of the way the wine in their cups spilled onto the floor.
I tugged down my dress to ensure it still covered my tattoo. The last thing I needed was for one of these drunken fools to see it and inform the entire school of my humiliation. It was as if Casimir branded me again and again with every word, with every touch and glance he stole…
Someone grabbed at my elbow. I whirled around, expecting to see Casimir but?—
Monty Prescott appeared at my side, abruptly halting my ruminations. “Arden Farrow!” he exclaimed, snaking a hand aroundmy shoulders. “I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”
Of all the people who could’ve spotted me at this party, why did it have to be Monty? The pompous fool.