Chapter 58

“This was the last day of school before your ball,” Victor said as he held the Lamborghini's door for me. “Are you excited?”

“Excited and nervous,” I replied. “My hands start shaking whenever I think about it.” I held them up to show him I was serious.

My mind kept imagining the worst-case scenarios that could happen at my ball. I knew I was letting my anxiety get the best of me, but it was hard to turn it off.

“Relax, you’re going to be fine,” Victor assured me. “You know all the dances, and you do them very well. Best of all, you have a gorgeous gown to wear while doing the tango with William.”

“There’s nothing to be nervous about,” Victor added reassuringly. “Your father and I will be there to watch over you. And you will have your best friend, Amy, there too.”

“I can’t wait to wear my gown.” I smiled just thinking about it. “And Amy is spending the whole day with me tomorrow to start getting ready. We’re having our own spa day and having ‘the works’ done to us.”

“That sounds like fun,” Victor teased. “How come I wasn’t invited?”

I giggled. “Sure. Please stop in at the mansion tomorrow afternoon and get a mani/pedi with us. Jennifer says they’re great.”

“I’ll pass. I was thinking more of a good massage. But see, it sounds like you have this,” Victor said. “Everything is going to be fine.”

“Do you really think I dance well enough not to make a fool of myself?”

“I’m positive,” Victor assured me. “I’ll prove it to you today at our last practice. And remember, every ball has a disaster or two on the dance floor. People fall down all the time.”

“Thanks, that makes me feel better,” I said with an eye roll. “Is this really our last dance practice?”

My excitement melted away, and I suddenly felt sad. I hadn’t realized dance practice ended today or how much I had been enjoying them.

It would be strange not to dance with Victor every day. I would miss it.

“I’m afraid so,” Victor said and gave me a teasing grin. “But due to my masterful teaching skills, you are now such a good dance partner that I’ll be asking you to dance at your ball and other affairs that we may attend in the future.”

“But it won’t be the same,” I whispered to myself. I felt such a sense of loss, realizing the lessons were over. I can’t believe I once hated them.

What was unbelievable was how much I now enjoyed spending time with Victor.

He was still a spoiled, wealthy Alpha, and I was not too fond of his views about Betas and Omegas. But while getting to know Victor, I discovered a side to him that I never imagined he possessed. I couldn’t hate him anymore.

We fell quiet for the rest of the drive to my home. The silence lasted until after we were in the ballroom and were ready to dance.

Victor looked down at my feet. “I called Gisele and ordered you another pair of shoes, exactly like these gold heels. We’re going to have this pair worn out before the ball.”

I gave him a smile and stepped into his arms. “That was thoughtful of you. These shoes are getting a lot of use. Jennifer scolded me about the scuffs on the right toe.”

“We all want you to look perfect on your big night.” Victor put his right arm around my waist, and his left took my right hand. Then we began to dance.

There were times that I saw sadness in Victor’s amazing turquoise blue eyes, but when I asked him what was wrong, he would smile and say, “Nothing.”

But I knew better. Something was bothering him. Part of me hoped he was as sad as I was about our dance lessons being over. But his sadness was probably due to a business matter.

“You’ll be dancing with many partners on the night of your ball,” Victor suddenly reminded me. “Not all will be as skilled at dancing as I am.”

“What are you trying to say?” Where did that subject come from? It was an odd thing to start talking about.

“It’s just a reminder to be careful with the males at the ball,” Victor replied. His eyes began to avoid mine.

“Who are you talking about, and why should I avoid them?” I didn’t understand what he was talking about. And why was he acting so strangely again?

He still didn’t answer. So I put an arm around his neck and pulled his face down to meet mine so I could look into his eyes. “Tell me what you meant by that.”

There was turmoil in his eyes, and he seemed to be searching his mind for a reply.

“Daisy, there will be Alpha males, both young and old, attending your ball with the purpose of becoming your mate,” he said. “They want your wealth and status.”

“But what about our fake engagement?” I asked. “Why would they pursue an engaged woman? They must have no honor.”

“No, they don’t have any honor,” Victor agreed. He twirled me for two revolutions and brought me back into his arms. “Honor matters little to them.”

“How do I know who they are so I can avoid them?”

“Do you remember Ambrose, your first dance instructor?”

“How could I forget? I broke his arm.”

“That was well-deserved if you knew his reputation,” Victor said. “The man is a cad who uses women for their money. And there are plenty more like him out there.”

“I don’t want to be used,” I said. “How do I prevent it from happening to me?”

Victor looked deep into my eyes. “Do you trust me?”

“You saved my life from raccoons last night. Why wouldn’t I trust you?”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” Victor said with a laugh. “ I know most members of our society and their reputations.”

Victor took my hand and twirled me again, and caught me with his other hand before pulling me close. We looked into each other’s eyes again as we moved to the music. How I would miss this.

Victor spoke again. “If an Alpha male other than William intrigues you, ask me if he has a bad reputation and if he has his own money.”

“And never leave the ballroom alone or with anyone you don’t know well. Only leave everyone’s sight with William, your father, Amy, or me.”

I looked at him in disbelief. I wasn’t sure what he was worried about. Open-mouthed, I shook my head.

“Daisy, some are so dishonest they would try anything to obtain your hand in marriage.”

Victor was right. Most Alphas were willing to do anything for money. Even if Alex and the association won’t necessarily grant anyone I marry the Leader position, they would still be interested in my inheritance.

“Okay, Victor. I appreciate your concern. I’m happy to accept your help navigating around all of the people I’m going to meet at the ball.”

“But I can’t see myself falling for some stranger,” I assured him. “I’m not some flighty girl that can be sweet-talked into marriage in one evening.”

Victor gave me a grin. “I don’t think that’s likely either. But I want you to be careful around the Alpha males you don’t know.”

I nodded and returned his smile. “I’ll be counting on my fiancé to keep an eye on me. But not too close. I want to dance the tango with William at least once.”

“Well, then, my dear, we should practice to ensure your tango is perfect for William.”