Lead us

Lead us
Vinorca Jona POV

"You are looking so beautiful."

My cheeks burned hearing his words, somehow calming my raging nerves. This shimmery red and green dress covering me felt like an expensive gift. It was the first time I'd worn something so elegant, and my first time attending a party like this at all.

Last time, Amanda had dolled me up for that disastrous club experience, which still scarred me for any future activities. This party already felt like a bad idea.

"Thanks, but you're the one who paid for everything. Of course it would be beautiful." Which was true. There was no way in hell I could've afforded luxury like this.

I had always relied on others for things like this. Not that I hated it. It was better than embarrassing myself in front of people, especially the people I was about to see at such a big party.

"It's your beauty that breathes in this dress, not the other way around." Masen smiled as he took my hand and rested it on his forearm. This man really was a gentleman. He'd never behaved badly since the day I met him.

At first I hadn't been ready to come to this party. Why would I? Not like I was invited, or like I was someone important enough to be. But Masen had asked me at the end of my classes, and I was unable to say no. He'd literally helped me, and I couldn't accept a favor from him without giving something back.

As we stepped inside, my heart and mind raced freely, maybe because I'd had my heat yesterday. It was still affecting me even now. I remembered it all clearly, even though I hadn't been in my senses at the time, and just thinking about it sent chills through my body.

But what confused me was why Dante hadn't done anything with me. Wasn't that what he'd wanted? And I was sure he'd been the one to send me home, since I was wearing his clothes. None of it made sense to me.

"Vinorca…" My name pulled me out of my thoughts. Plastering a smile on my lips, I looked around, my eyes straining to widen before I reined them back in. So many people. Such an overwhelming aura.

This was really going to be a big night.

"Is it going to be fine?" I mumbled. Why did this feel like a trap designed to screw me over? Just by looking around, I could tell this party was filled with too many authoritative people.

"You don't have to worry about anything. Your smile is enough. I'll handle it all," he replied sweetly, his thumb rubbing over the back of my hand. My hold on his forearm tightened a little.

Okay, it seemed like I could do this. Not that I had any other option, seeing as I'd literally walked here on my own two feet.

"Trusting your words, as my saviour from before, and now my teacher too." The part where he was my teacher, and I was here with him as his partner, was definitely something to overanalyze later.

He showed me his grin immediately. "I hope you won't call me sir here, or it will be awkward. Before becoming your teacher, I met you as someone who could be a normal friend."

Sure, his words held no lie in them. But treating him like a friend was gonna need some effort and time. For now, I could at least try not calling him "sir."

"Can give it a try, don't hold it over my head though."

One thing I was unsure about was how I was so comfortable with Masen, when even with Amanda and Lewis it had taken me years. As if his words pulled it all out of me. And what was more confusing, even his touch was so comfortable to me.

"Don't be so lost, Vinorca. I already assured you everything will be handled, so any slip of the tongue is not a matter of letting your smile die."

I huffed and smiled again, wider than before, mirroring the happiness I could never have. "Your words surely need to be controlled. Such a smooth way — makes me feel like you're flirting."

"As if I can't. Who wouldn't flirt with such a specimen of a woman? Count me in line." I blushed hearing him, and so many of his words really made me feel worthy of every ounce of life I was trying to live.

"Mr. Masen, please come." A man came toward us where we were standing, which was not far from the entrance, but also not close enough.

"Such a great honour to be here," Masen greeted back as he offered his hand for a shake, and they both shook hands.

The man smiled so big that even the age lines on his face stretched too far. "The pleasure is all ours. Who is she? Your mate?"

Someone poured frozen water on me. The word mate blanked it all out for me. Dante's face slid through my vision, stinging way too much.

"Not mate, but a very good friend, and my date for today." The smoothness of Masen's words pulled me out of the trance, the fear or death-like feeling I was suddenly dumped with. My stomach did all sorts of somersaults, and the word date surely didn't relieve it much.

The man nodded and put his hand out in front of me. "Nice meeting you, miss."

I rubbed my sweaty palm on the side of my dress and shook his hand. "Thanks," not knowing what more to say.

"Such a beautiful young lady," he commented as the handshake ended. "Want to join us for some drinks? You would love to meet some new investors and business partners of mine."

Masen answered, "Why not. Lead us, please. I am glad.”

"Let's move," the man said, starting to walk as we followed his lead, without any further talk.

"It will be fast, please bear with it."