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Soon the incredible weight of her gown was forgotten as Sid led her expertly around the dance floor. Jayna figured she could forgive a lot in a man if frequent dancing was involved.
The next song was slow and sensuous, and heat rose in her chest as Sid took her in his arms. But as the dance progressed, his attention began to wander. Jayna’s first instinct was to be jealous of the many beautiful women in the room, but it was soon clear he wasn’t looking at anyone else. He seemed to be looking for someone.
She remembered what Sid had told her about his reputation. Was he worried about the secret society spies he had mentioned? She decided to call him on it. “Who are you looking for? The reputation police?”
His attention snapped back to her, and his cheeks reddened in embarrassment. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to get distracted.”
Jayna leveled her gaze at him. “I get it. There are a lot of worthy distractions here tonight. But you didn’t answer my question.”
Sid pursed his lips and nodded.
Jayna had to fight not to roll her eyes. “Do you really think the Order has spies here with nothing better to do than judge your every move?”
Sid’s jaw clenched, but after a moment he let out a breath. “To be honest, yes.”
This time the eye roll won. “Seriously? This room is full of interesting people. What makes you think anyone here has even noticed us?”
Sid didn’t answer, and Jayna’s frustration grew. It was going to be a long night if he spent the whole evening looking over his shoulder. When the song ended, she led him out of the ballroom, back to the enormous fountain in the courtyard. She pressed her mouth close to his ear.
“I know you’re trying to make a difference, but are you sure you want to be part of a secret club that lurks at balls and spies on prospective members to make sure they are behaving themselves?”
Sid pulled away, and she immediately felt the loss of his nearness. She worried her snarky question had upset him, but he gave her a half smile and ran a hand down her arm. “Absolutely.”
This was not the answer Jayna had been hoping for. Was his membership in the Order more important to him than their relationship? If so, where did that leave her?
It left her in a position of constantly watching herself, wondering and worrying if she was making a decision or acting in a way this group would disapprove.
She clenched her fists. As much as she admired Sid, she couldn’t live her life walking on eggshells, always worried her actions might cost him the Order’s approval.
If he would choose the Cerulean Order over her, she’d rather find out now than later.
As Mano Taika neared the end of their current number, Jayna had an idea of how she could test Sid’s commitment. It was a jerk move, and she knew it. But she needed to understand where she stood with him.
She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him so close, her lips brushed his ear. “Did you really mean what you said about having a good time dancing tonight?”
He narrowed his eyes warily, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I did.”
Excitement surged through her as she grabbed his hand. “Then let’s get started. We’re going to dance like you’ve never danced before.”
They entered the ballroom just as the band finished its number, and Jayna willed Kalani to look at her.
As he glanced around the room and acknowledged the audience, his eyes stopped on Jayna, and he smiled.
She raised her hand and made a gesture she had learned as a singer in Mano Taika.
His eyes widened in surprise.
Jayna put her hands together in a pleading motion. Kalani gave her a huge grin and nodded.
“What was that all about?” Sid asked.
“I intend to find out if you’re as good of a swing dancer as Emmaline says you are.”
His brow furrowed. “I’m not sure this is the right place to show off my dancing.”
She gazed up at him through her lashes. “This is a ball. It’s exactly the right place for you to show off your dancing.”
A thunderous drumming echoed through the ballroom.
