ot how to breathe. "H

again like a warning bell. We hadn't met yet. Not in

n though my thoughts were racing. "Are you

room, his broad shoulders straight and confident beneath his tailored black suit. His grey e

answer. Then he tilted his he

hat was that supposed to mean? Before I could as

steady. Almost formal. As if the stra

econd before placing my h

hands touched, something strange happened. His grip tight

had changed. For a split second

ool indifference he showed the world. But I had seen it. And it made m

y. That kind of thing only happened in stories

"Mr. Kingsley," she said sweetly, flash

s soft and gentle, the same tone she used when

le in high society. And for a long time, I believed it had worked on Adrian too. But now I watched h

litely. That was it. Ju

ve heard so much about you," she continued, clearly trying to k

ded once.

ghtened slightly around her clutch purse. If someone wasn't watching closely

ressions. Learning the difference between her

d you mind walking with m

caught me off

eter side of the ballroom where a

ike to

m. "Serena just arrived," she

But it was firm enough to stop her instantly. Sil

rig

d the balcony doors. I could feel Lily's

overlooked the glowing city skyline, lights stretching end

sting casually in his pockets as he looked ou

ok diff

htly. "Differe

he studied my face again with that same

rom how I re

There it was again.

my arms slightly. "Mr. Kingsley

hed his lips

emember meetin

andable." he re

g to wear thin. "Then ma

hrough his dark hair as he looked out over the city agai

d on a b

neath my feet. Slowly... very slowly... I turned to lo

champagne glass,"

m your hand whe

.. That exact moment... No one should kn

my voice barely

you kn

Our eyes locked. And this time, he did

gr

there,"

violently. "Tha

eline," he a

Silence filled the balcony. Neith

estion that's been

it too... don'

Instead, a small, almost amu

es