Tangled Webs by Lee Bross

Author:Lee Bross
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
ISBN: 978-1-4231-8775-2
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Published: 2015-06-23T07:00:00+00:00

An unfamiliar thrill washed over Arista as she stood at the edge of the ballroom and watched the costumed dancers fly by. She was there as Lady A, but no one would recognize her this time. Behind the plain black mask, she was simply a guest. They were expecting a black dress and a raven-feather mask. Lady A’s signature costume.

But dressed as a gypsy tonight, no once glanced at her with disdain. No one whispered as she walked by. And without the threat of Bones over her head, she could not stop the smile that curled her lips. Freedom. This must be what it tasted like.

Dancers whirled around her as she stood watching. Laughter floated through the air, and more than one touch grazed her arm, both male and female. They were subtle invitations. Unspoken offers. How many times had she wished for this very thing?

Lady A’s identity was still anonymous behind the raven feathers, of course—no one knew the girl in the mask—but it was different this time. Not only did they not know the girl under the disguise, but they did not even know she was Lady A.

Spiked punch gave the confident guests reason to talk more. To boast and flirt and disclose secrets meant to be kept silent. Mouths shut tight when the black-cloaked Lady A approached, but a gypsy girl attracted no notice.

It gave Arista the chance to eavesdrop, and make note of bits of gossip that might come in handy at some other time. It also allowed her to move about the room freely, searching for the person she was to meet tonight. Wild had sent another note later that day. She must look for a red kerchief in the left breast pocket of a man dressed all in black.

Wild had supplied no name. Perhaps that was how he intended to conduct business, which was fine by her. She didn’t need a name. Usually she could pick out the guilty party simply by observing the telltale signs of stress. Fidgeting with a neck cloth. Trembling hands. Furtive glances around the room, followed by mopping the brow. All signs that the person was most uncomfortable in their current surroundings.

Given the anonymous nature of a masked ball, discomfort should be the last emotion in a guest. In fact, most times it was the opposite. Complete abandon and indiscretion led to gaiety and false comfort.

Each stride she took exposed a long length of leg, which did not go unnoticed. There were looks of interest in several gazes she met. They reminded her of Grae, and in a moment of self-indulgence, Arista allowed herself to think of him. To wish that he was here with her like before—just two guests, with nothing but time to explore the unfamiliar longing between them.

It was not an uncomfortable thought at all. On the contrary, she’d liked the quickening of her pulse when he had stepped too close. At Lady Carstair’s party, his kiss had rendered her senseless. It was something she wished to experience again—there was no doubt.

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