Page 34 of Heartless Sinner

He dragged his finger across mine, his skin cool from the champagne.

There were no shivers from his touch.

No chaotic butterflies swarming my stomach.

Just … nothing.

He dipped into a respectful bow before spinning me once and leading me toward the dance floor. Conversations quieted as we passed, and people bowed.

I had no idea if they recognized Cory with his face paint, but the diamonds on my headpiece made my identity obvious.

I stopped when one woman reached out to run her hand over my dress.

Cory cursed and swatted her hand away. “No one touches the princess without her permission.”

The woman jerked her hand back. “My apologies, Your Highness. I’m so sorry.”

“You’re fine.” I smiled at her.

I slipped my hand from Cory’s and took hers, giving it a soft squeeze the way my mom always did to me.

“Your headpiece is beautiful,” I told her, admiring the simple headpiece with a single jewel stone.

Her entire face lit up, like no one had ever given her a compliment that meaningful before. That broke my heart.

Cory’s mouth stretched into the polite smile I’d seen him use around my grandfather a thousand times.

Fake as hell.

Here, I was Cory’s superior.

But at Saint Vale? That power would flip.

As a Night Son, he’d rule over every student there.

And if he had his way, if he somehow managed to make me his Fawn, I’d belong to him. He wouldn’t have to bow or show respect. I’d have to do that with him.

I agreed to the dance because before dinner, my mom had pitched Operation Convince Cory to Fight for Me.

Would it work? No.

Brooks would rip his jugular out first.

But it was at least worth a try.

“Have a good night, Mr. Bellamonte,” the woman said. She emphasized his name, making sure he knew she recognized him.

He started to curl his upper lip before he forced it back into place. He clasped his hands behind his back and tilted his head toward her. “And you as well, ma’am.”

Cory pretending to be the good guy almost made me laugh. His father would disown him if he embarrassed the family in public.

Unlike us royals, the prime minister was voted in by the citizens. Looking like an asshole in public was not great for reelection.

The woman spun on her heel and left without saying another word.

Cory glanced back at me, looking a little less cocky than before.

I didn’t want to dance with him. Didn’t want to speak with him. But tonight wasn’t about what I wanted.