I blink
The smooth cadence of ballroom music vibrates the perfectly polished marble floor
I know the steps by now, it’s practically muscle memory
I look up, and see him again, the fifth this night, only to be thrown away

I blink
We’ve switched partners, I cannot see his face, but I know of the smile that stretches wide underneath his mask
I know of those familiar devilish eyes that pick apart my body
That devour it, sneer at it, and pass it onto the next partner without hesitation

I blink
He twirls me this time, pulls me into his hands, fingers linger on my waist a little longer than most would feel comfortable
He scoffs, and again, I am thrown to the next