I pulled my arm out of Stride's grasp, trying to shake off all thoughts of Aimes.

Which was impossible. I'd never had a man rile me up so badly. Ever. And then for him to just leave like that... Well, he must've sniffed out that Stride was coming and would see us.

"What were you talking to Aimes about?" Stride asked, ushering me back into the ballroom.

"Nothing," I said calmly, even though my insides twirled at just the sound of his name. "He barely said two words to ...