Thoughts swirl as I take the last sip of my drink.
I stand, swaying slightly. The room seems more lopsided than it was earlier.
Samuel holds me in place. “I’ve got you, birthday girl.”
I can’t stop thinking about what Samuel just revealed. Has Samuel known this the whole time? He must have, right? He is the next Chosen Vessel. Which means... Mr. Donovan knew. Did he make the call, bringing Lianne in just for Mr. Wellingburg?
I look to the dance floor.
Samuel is behind me, both hands on my shoulders, helping me with my steps as I get closer to Lianne.
The colors of the strobe lights seem to have a delay in them, and so does Lianne. It’s like there is a second one of her dancing and lagging behind her. It makes me giggle for a second, then I can’t help but frown as I remember what was just told to me.
“Hey-y! Don’t!” She gives me a stern look. “He is a good man. I am okay.”
With a questionable expression, I look at her.
“Honest to the Divine.”
A weak smile sets in the corners of her mouth, and she puts her hands on my hips, making me sway them.
I don’t know when Samuel or Joshua left us, but they are next to us with two glasses of delicious cocktail drinks. One for both Lianne and me.
I snatch mine from Samuel’s hand. Lianne and I giggle as we gulp them down, moving our bodies to the beat. I have never heard any of these songs before, but that doesn’t stop me.
Lianne comes closer and starts to dance with her hips closer to mine. We look at each other and just laugh, letting the drinks take us over. I can’t believe how good it feels. I never thought I would like this drinking thing. Not with how my foster parents would act when they would drink. This is fun. Why are they always so mean?
I don’t know how long it’s been or how many songs have played, but sweat rolls down my chest.
Lianne is just as sweaty. She leans in. “I’m gonna get some water and use the bathroom.”
“I’ll come with you,” I say, about to walk with her, but she stops me.
“No. Keep dancing. I won’t be long.”
“I’ll go with.” Joshua comes up beside her.
She smiles and pushes me back farther onto the dance floor, and they are gone.
Samuel’s hands land on my waist, and I feel the heat of him on my back. “She’ll be fine. They all saw us comein together. Plus, no one will mess with her, with Joshua tagging along.”
I crane my head back and lean it on his chest. When did I get so tired?
He wraps his arms around my torso and draws me closer. “Are you having a good birthday?”
I nod, still leaning against him for support.
The room feels like it’s spinning, and the only way I can keep myself balanced is Samuel.
“You look stunning tonight.”
I giggle, and a snort comes out. “You’re only saying that cause you have to. You’re my brother.”
He turns me, and I almost tip over, but he pulls my body flush with his righting my footing. I have to bend backward to keep my eyes on his. He is a tall man. It’s probably one of the reasons all the girls swoon for him. One of his hands stays on my back, and the other lands on the back of my neck, keeping me comfortable.
I smile up at him with lazy blinks.
“What?” He smiles back at me.
