Expecting anger, I’m surprised when he charms me with a smile. “I’m already in love with your spirit, not to mention your beauty.” He brushes a thumb across my cheek, and the gesture is so unexpected that my heart flutters. “Tonight’s about freedom and pleasure, Novalee. I’m going to have fun with you.”
I raise my brows. “Fun? Is that a euphemism for something?”
He laughs. “It’s a simple word for a simple idea. I don’t like rules. Tonight, we’re tossing them into the garbage where they belong. This is my gift to you.”
I have no idea what he’s getting at, but I’m positive his idea of fun is different from mine. “So this ball…” I swallow hard, forcing the one question out to which I’m dying to know the answer. “Will all twelve members of the Brotherhood be there?”
“Are you asking about Sebastian, or Liam?”
“I’m asking about both.” Because I have unfinished business with the chancellor and the lion, and if tonight is about freedom, I’ll grasp the opportunity with both hands.
Ford’s hazel eyes deepen to a jade hue. “Oh, my queen. I’m looking forward to crashing this intriguing triangle.”
“Does that mean they’ll be there?”
His lips quirk into that boyish smile again. “Yes, the entire Brotherhood will be present. Except for myself, half will wear black, and the other will be in silver.”
I run my thumb over the soft lace on the box. “What are you trying to say?”
“Tonight’s about freedom, but that only applies with the men matching the color you decide to wear.”
“What colors are Liam and Sebastian choosing?”
“I can’t tell you that. I can only tell you to choose your mask wisely.”
So in other words…let the games begin.