Blacklisted Read Free Page A

Erik?”
    â€œNo, sorry,” she threw over her shoulder, red curls bouncing. “But he has to be here somewhere. They’re never far apart.”
    The revolving steps didn’t freak me out this time and I managed to climb them with ease. However, I was moving so quickly my drink sloshed over the rim of my glass, running down my hand. Ick. Sticky.
    Shanel stopped at the top and stomped her foot. “I don’t see him. Do you?”
    My gaze scanned the area. There weren’t many people this high up, which made my search very easy. They weren’t here. “Let’s go up one more level,” I said, disappointed.
    â€œHurry.”
    We tread the rest of the way up the stairs and stood at the edge of the highest level. This far up, the music was barely a hum. There were quite a few people scattered about, talking and laughing, some sitting at tables, some lounging on black velvet couches.
    â€œI see him,” Shanel whispered fiercely. She gripped my forearm. “He’s talking to Erik.”
    My mouth dried completely, leaving no hint of moisture. “Where?” I whispered just as fiercely, my gaze once again moving over the room.
    â€œOn the far couch. Sitting by the—Ohmygod, they’re looking this way.” She turned away from them, facing me. “Act natural. Say something funny.”
    â€œUh—uh…” Suddenly my gaze connected with Erik’s and I lost my breath. What should I do? What the hell should I do?
    In my dreams, Erik always smiled the first moment he spied me. He always stood and approached me, wanting desperately to be near me. To touch me…to kiss me. In reality, his brown eyes narrowed on me; his lips thinned. In displeasure? My heart sank. Why displeasure? Did I look that bad?
    As always, he looked amazing. His light hair was shaggy and hung over his forehead; the dark roots gleamed in the shadowy light. I think his hair was naturally brown, but he looked good as a blond. He had an eyebrow ring, a slightly crooked nose that had probably been broken a time or two, and sharp-as-glass cheekbones.
    Out of his school uniform—the same white button-up and black slacks I had to wear—he was yummy. Right now he wore a black T-shirt and faded jeans. Both hugged him deliciously.
    Shanel forced a laugh. “Oh, that’s hilarious, Camille. Absolutely hilarious.”
    â€œWhat is?” I asked, feeling like I was locked in some sort of trance. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe his lips hadn’t thinned in displeasure but in admiration.
    She laughed again, the sound more strained. “That’s even funnier.”
    Finally Erik tore his gaze from me and I realized I hadn’t done anything but stare at him. Way to act like a sophisticated, older woman, Robins. I’m sure you’re everything he’s ever wanted and more, you idiot .
    â€œThere’s an empty table,” I said, trying to keep my embarrassment from my tone. “Let’s sit down.”
    â€œGood idea.”
    My heartbeat refused to slow down, slamming against my ribs with excess force. Thankfully I didn’t trip—or cry or throw up. I claimed the seat facing away from Erik. I’d stare at him some more if I had a direct view of him, and I knew it.
    I plopped my drink onto the table as Shanel eased beside me. “Is anyone looking at us now?” I asked.
    â€œNo.” She sighed in disappointment.
    Oh. My shoulders slumped. “Well, what are they doing?”
    â€œThey’re talking to a dark-haired man wearing a black cloth over the lower half of his face. And three Morevv females,” she huffed.
    I heard the jealousy in Shanel’s tone and experienced a wave of my own. While Morevv males were gorgeous, Morevv females were exquisite. Breathtaking. Their features were always total perfection: small, straight noses, up-tilted eyes, symmetrical cheekbones, flawless skin.
    â€œMaybe we should go over there,” she