Rebel 12

Hugh , Im not feeling well .

Could you take me to somewhere quiet ? Rheas thoughts whirled , and she needed space to clear them .

Hughs concern was immediate .

Whats wrong ? His arm was around her in an instant , steadying her .

probably just the heat , Rhea whispered , leaning into him , her gaze cutting to Jessica with a cold edge .

Hugh , take her somewhere quiet , Jane urged , her voice strained , panic creeping into her tone .

After all , Rhea carried her grandchild .

Jessicas eyes followed the retreating figures of Rhea and Hugh , her gaze icy .

Rhea was trying to flaunt her hold on Hugh , to show just how deeply he cared for her now .

Did she think this would hurt her ? Foolish .

The feelings she once held for Hugh had died long ago .

Five years had passed , and she had moved on .

Jane led Dom to the VIP seats , her eyes flicking toward Jessica for a moment .

She subtly motioned for someone to keep watch on the woman .

The dance floor caught Jessicas attention , a sea of couples twirling and gliding in time with the music .

She turned her gaze to the silent man beside her .

He stood , distant , detached .

Without hesitation , she met his eyes and spoke , her voice low and confident .

Hensley , would you care for a dance ? She was here , and she would not remain unseen .

She would remind Hugh and Rhea that she was still very much a part of their world .

Charless eyes studied her , his dark gaze lingering on her bright face .

There was something curious in them.

He reached for her wrist , his grip firm and unyielding , and guided her toward the center of the floor .

Before she could take a breath, he had pulled her into his arms , holding her waist steady .

Do you know how to dance ? His voice rumbled , low and commanding , as he looked down at her .

Heat rose to her face .

Of course , she replied , her voice betraying a slight tremor .

Then lets begin , he said , and with that , they were moving .

At first , Jessica struggled to match his fluid steps , caught off guard by the sudden motion .

But it didnt take long before she found her rhythm , her body falling into step with his .

The music enveloped them .

They danced together , their bodies moving in perfect sync.

As they twirled , the world around them seemed to vanish .

Slowly , the other dancers drifted away , leaving only the two of them in the center of the floor .

c Whos the woman with Mr.

Hensley ? one voice asked , curiosity clear .

Ive never seen her before .

Theyre dancing beautifully , another murmured .

Rhea , guided by Hugh , entered the ballroom just in time to see them .

Her eyes locked on Jessica .

There they were Charles and Jessica dancing effortlessly , looking every bit the perfect couple .

Their chemistry was undeniable, their every move in harmony .

The crowd watched , enraptured .

Rheas hands curled into fists at her sides .

This was her night , her time to shine .

But Jessica was stealing it from her, turning every eye in the room toward her .

Hugh , look at her .

Shes throwing herself at Uncle Charles ! Rheas voice dripped with disdain .

Hughs jaw tightened as he watched the pair .

Shes not that clever .

Still , the sight of them moving so close , bodies nearly pressed together was undeniable .

The dance was intimate , too intimate , too suggestive .

Hugh , please , make her leave .

I cant stand it anymore .

Rheas voice shook with frustration , her words bitter .

Hugh hesitated , a frown pulling at his brow .

He had held back earlier , out of respect for his grandfather .

But now , he could no longer let Jessica remain .

Ill take care of it , he said , his voice cold .

His gaze locked onto Jessica , still lost in the dance , unaware of the storm brewing around her .