Mason wanted to run away, run far away from his gaze, but he couldn't, not with many of those who had just bragged about him watching so intently, waiting for him to make a move, to respond.
His lips trembled slightly as he parted them to speak.
"Kai," Mason tried again, chuckling nervously. "You've really outdone yourself tonight." He turned to Amelia, who was watching his shameful display quietly. "My little princess Amelia, you look stunning. And your entrance—my God, you've got the whole hall talking. Truly, you've brought us nothing but honor tonight."
Kai said nothing.
His hand on Amelia's waist rubbed it playfully, his thoughts reeling on other things, and his eyes didn't so much as blink as he regarded Mason like one might regard an irritating fly.
Mason's smile wavered at the silence. His gaze flickered briefly to Amelia, who stood poised and composed beside Kai, her expression unreadable.
A beat passed.
Then another.
