Free The Determining by Rebecca Grous Page B

myself am trying very hard to overlook your faults.” His eyes traveled down to her chest, lingering there.
    Fury rose up in her, and she had the overwhelming urge to slap him. “Any faults I may have are far outdone by your own.”
    He chuckled, flashing a cruel grin. “You look luscious when you’re angry. I’ll have to remember that.”
    Charlie forced herself to take a calming breath, plastering on a serene expression. “Don’t bother. There is no you and I.”
    “I doubt you’ll be given much of a choice.” The smirk on his face begged her to hit him. Hard.
    “You must have forgotten that the Compatibility test requires consent. I choose who goes with me and I won’t choose you.”
    Now Mason looked amused. “When you’ve exhausted all your options, I’ll be here waiting.”
    “You’re an idiot. Why would you bother waiting?” Charlie was honestly perplexed. “I’ve made it clear that I don’t want you. Why waste your time?”
    “It’s simple. We belong together.” Charlie couldn’t contain the burst of laughter that erupted from deep within her chest. “Laugh if you want, but you’ll see. I’m the heir to Novack Enterprises and you’re the heir to Grey Technology. Combined, we’ll have almost unlimited control. There are people in high places that have made it their business to ensure our companies join together. We are an inevitability.”
    “I’m assuming the people in high places you’re referring to are the Council members.” When Mason didn’t contradict her, she continued. “I know about the corruption in the Council, but I also know that every member is looking out for himself. They wouldn’t allow two members to have so much control. They won’t give up their power just like that.”
    Mason shook his head. “You really are as naïve as everyone thinks.”
    Charlie wouldn’t put up with his arrogance anymore. “I make up for any naїvety with sheer stubbornness.” With as much force as she could muster, Charlie stomped the heel of her shoe onto Mason’s toes.
    His face turned purple and contorted with pain as he hopped on one foot. “What the hell?” He spat at her.
    “Thank you for the dance, Mr. Novack.” Charlie brushed pasted him, trying to ignore the shocked looks the other dancers shot at her. When she spotted Margaret waiting for her wearing an expression of pure rage, she walked in the opposite direction.
    Charlie’s feet carried her to a relatively quiet corner of the ballroom. She didn’t notice Ruth until they stood less than a yard apart. Ruth’s eyes were glassy, bringing Charlie’s guilt rushing back. She didn’t know what to say. They stood in silence, watching one another. The music swelled to a crescendo as the band played their final note. In seconds, they began an upbeat swing number.
    Not knowing what else to do, Charlie moved to stand beside Ruth. She looked out over the ballroom. Couples twirled to the music, groups of people chatted at tables, and nearly everyone wore a smile. She observed the array of colors on the dance floor. It looked like a rainbow swirling under the warm lantern lights. The movement was starting to make her dizzy when Ruth broke the silence.
    “Thanks for asking how I feel. I’m fine, by the way. The fact that the man I’m expected to marry just paid one million credits to dance with you doesn’t bother me at all.”
    Charlie sighed in exasperation. “You’re crazy if you think I was happy to auction off my first dance. And I didn’t ask Thayer to bid; he did that on his own.”
    “Well, you didn’t have to enjoy it so much.” Ruth crossed her arms, but her eyes weren’t shooting daggers anymore.
    “I couldn’t help myself. Like you said, he has a really nice body.” Charlie joked.
    “You think this is funny, don’t you?” Ruth scowled.
    The question surprised Charlie. “I don’t find this funny at all.”
    “Then why are you making jokes? Do you know how much pressure my parents are putting on me