ed, his confidence as unwavering as his piercing gaze. "We should go," he said softly, his voice low and intimate, like they were sharing a secret. Emily nodded, her pul

guided her into a luxurious suite. Emily gasped as she took in her surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline, the lights twinkling like a sea of stars. The suite was sleek and modern, with dark wood accents and plush furniture that exuded understated elegance. "This is... stunning," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Glad you approve," he said, his tone light, though his gaze remained fixed on her. She turned to face him, suddenly hyperaware of the fact that they were alone. The noise and chaos of the ball were a distant memory, replaced by a charged silence that seemed to wrap around them like a cocoon. "I don't even know your name," she said, her voice trembling slightly. He stepped closer, his movements deliberate, his eyes never leaving hers. "Do you want to know?" The question hung in the air, and for a moment, Emily wasn't sure how to answer. Did she want to know? Would knowing his name make this night feel more real, more complicated? "Maybe not," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. He smiled, a slow, devastating curve of his lips. "Then we'll leave it at this: I'm just a man who couldn't let you walk away tonight." Her breath hitched as he took another step toward her, the space between them shrinking to nothing. "You seem like someone who's used to getting what he wants," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of nervousness and challenge. "Only when it's worth pursuing," he replied, his voice dropping to a husky murmur. "And you, my fair lady, seem like you're worth every moment." His words sent a shiver down her spine, and she realized with a start that she liked the feelings he aroused in her. "How did