e ceiling. The room was a whirlwind of elegant conversation, sumptuous evening gowns and perfectly tailored

touch of mystery. Her hair, pulled back into a sophisticated bun, revealed the delicate

an unusual tension in his eyes. He seemed about to say something several time

ly whispered, his low voic

nted to say something else, perhaps a light remark to lighten the mood, but he alre

She was presented to influential men and women, each scrutinizing her with a mixture of curi

as she sipped a glass of champagne. She turned around to

though she immediately sensed unease in

sociate of Gabriel. It's a pleasu

to it, his lips brushing against her skin for a little too

nued, his smile becoming more predatory. "You

I prefer to remain discreet," she

abriel. His gaze was icy, and although his smile remained

at vibrated with unquestionable

, took a step back. "Yes, I was g

nking, placing a possessive hand on the small of Le

ervous laugh, Thomas quickly slipped

situation," she whis

searched her face, as if to make sure she was okay, before

but he beat her to it. "Come on

observing the scene from a distance, could not ignore. Later that evening, as Lea took

lle's voice was soft, but it

oaching, a drink in her hand and

although she sensed the pro

ntinued, absentmindedly playing with the stem o

ow. "Maybe because

d of joy. "Oh, I have no doubt he cares about you. But y

plied Lea, deciding that she w

m. "Let's just say I know things he probably hasn't to

but she refused to let Camille see her d

wly. "Good luck with that," she whispe

mille, disturbed by Gabriel's attention, and agitated by a feeling that she could not name. As she

d between them, she turned to him.

zed the steering wheel slightly. "Because he's

he insisted, trying to

But for me..." He trailed off, clenching his jaw before

less. She looked away, her heart pounding. That night, as she fe