Co-conspirator

I wanted to take Kieran’s hand and elope, run away from the crowd, from Rainey, run to a place where no one would find us. But I didn’t. I couldn’t mess up his plan, not again. I brushed past him, greedily inhaling his scent. The entire venue, including the manor and the gardens, was booked for the engagement party. The place was built like a medieval castle, with long, winding hallways and candle wall sconces. The hotel’s six stories of seventy-two rooms were available for all the guests. I picked out one room on the ground floor at random and entered. Its furniture and interior décor told me this was a study. The room was dimly lit by crystal chandeliers casting subdued white light onto thick carpets. I stood in front of the glass wall, watching the lawn outside. Night had fallen. Under the high arches of white tents, guests were dancing to music performed by a live band. I didn’t see the unhappily engaged couple. I felt Kieran’s hand around my waist before I caught his reflection in