Read Dare You to Run for Free Online Page B

were awarded.
    It was only when the president was striding toward the edge of the stage that Vitus turned to look at her. His gaze cut into her, pinning her to the spot as surely as if he’d thrust a sword straight through her, eyes as blue as a Caribbean lagoon but as cold as a glacier. Betrayal was there, hot, searing, and condemning enough to make her feel like she might just burst into flames and be reduced to a pile of cinders at his polished boots.
    His anger was so scorching, it left her staggering back to the waiting liaison, who was unsure what to do with her. Damascus straightened her spine and walked toward the ballroom. At least there was something to be said for the number of times her sire had insisted she attend these functions. She knew what to do without having to think about it.
    Which was good, because being around Vitus Hale made thinking impossible.
    *   *   *
    â€œI’m fine,” Damascus repeated, but the liaison was still looking at her doubtfully. She’d already pressed a glass of perfectly chilled champagne into Damascus’s hand and was contemplating what else might be needed.
    Damascus took a sip of the champagne and then another. By the time she realized what she was doing, she’d finished the glass. The liaison looked at her doubtfully.
    â€œSo, the dance is next?” Damascus asked to try and cover her lack of composure.
    The liaison nodded. “Yes. Commander Hale and the other recipients will begin the opening waltz.”
    Damascus tipped the glass up to get the last drops of champagne. The liaison’s eyes widened as she bit back the question she was dying to ask.
    It wasn’t hard for Damascus to deduce what was on the woman’s mind. Vitus had rescued her, and he was absolutely scrumptious. What was there to be skittish about?
    Oh my, now there was a question.
    For a moment, her memory offered up fragments of the stolen moments she indulged in with Vitus. Hot, passionate moments, when the only thing that mattered was chasing satisfaction, consequence nowhere in sight or thought. Just the freedom to be exactly who she was instead of what her sire wanted her to be.
    But the cost had certainly shown up later when he’d brought her home, delivering her to what everyone believed was the arms of her loving family. She’d been struggling to finish paying off the debt ever since, but couldn’t quite force herself to banish the memory.
    Ha! As if you could …
    That was a solid truth. Vitus was not a man easily forgotten. Of course, that was why he’d found her. His skills were almost unmatched. Little wonder he was a SEAL.
    Or had been one. She let that thought settle into her brain because it proved just how much power her sire truly had. Vitus had mysteriously ended his career among the SEALs and ended up unemployed.
    But not dead. She had to hold onto that bit of knowledge. The medal would help him reestablish himself. Maybe he could write a book.
    She felt herself losing the battle to wring drops of hope out of the situation she was trapped in and it pissed her off to know that she’d infected Vitus just by reaching for him.
    The ballroom was full of wives and daughters of politicians. Congressmen, senators, cabinet members all took advantage of the evening to rub elbows. The musicians were waiting for the signal to play a fanfare for the entrance of the president and first lady. A member of the Secret Service had been delegated the task of standing near the conductor. A message finally came through his earpiece,and he nodded at the conductor. The musicians lifted their instruments as a pair of wide double doors were pulled open to reveal the president and first lady. Their entrance was smooth and quick because the press was kept outside.
    The conductor tapped his music stand, and the musicians all froze as they waited for the signal to begin. A hushed moment of anticipation held her in its grip as she waited for