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“What—”

Before the words had left her lips, he grabbed her wrist.

She felt herself flush as she stumbled after him. She could hear the party getting back underway. The only thing separating them from the eyes of dozens of people was a single set of doors just around the corner.

Christopher turned to her with an intense look in his eyes. “Are you ready, Amber?”

“Ready for what?”

He stepped towards her, backing her against the wall. She swallowed hard, heart pounding, staring up at him.

He pressed one of his hands inches from his head, leaning in close. He didn’t stop until they were close enough that she could feel the heat emanating from his chest.

Amber was surprised to find she didn’t know if she wanted to lean forward or push him away. The answer should be obvious, but something in her chest twisted and fluttered as she looked up into his hazel eyes. She couldn’t help but notice the small flecks of jade green and sapphire blue mixed in with what seemed like countless other colors. They almost reminded her of a bird’s feather.

“Wh- what are you doing?” she whispered, heart pounding in her chest. Her words seemed to stick in her throat. She didn’t know if she wanted to say more or run away.

“I’m moving forward with the plan. Isn’t this what you want?”

Apprehension coursed through her. Her palms began sweating where she clenched her hands in her skirt. “Yes, but I didn’t think you’d do something so soon.”

He smirked, and something in her tightened. “But why not? Why wait? I’ve already agreed to help you, and there’s no point in putting it off is there?”

Amber knew he was right, but still… having him so close made something strange flutter in her chest.

Then her attention snapped to the sound of voices coming in their direction.

This could be it. The second someone saw them, her life would be saved.

So why did a pit of dread settle in her stomach at the very sound?

Amber wanted this. She wanted to get caught. She wanted to have her prospects ruined. She wanted to be left in such a state that no man would ever consider marrying her.

So why did the mental image of her wedding day going up in smoke make her want to tear up?”

He stepped away, a strange smile on his face. “That’s what I expected.”

She wanted to ask him what he meant. She wanted to demand what he thought he was doing pulling a stunt like this.

But she couldn’t bring herself to say a thing. All she could do was stay right where he pressed her against the wall and stare at him.

He turned to go, and Amber felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. Finally, she found her voice.

“Where are you going?” she said as loudly as she dared given the circumstances. She hated how small and squeaky her voice sounded. She could only hope her face wasn’t as red as it felt, her mind and body still reeling from their earlier proximity.

He sighed, moving away. Only once he was no longer touching her and there were a few feet between them did she feel like she could finally breathe. “Looks like we’ll just have to try again.”

“Next time, don’t just drag me down the hall. Talk to me first!”

“I saw an opportunity. I thought we could get this done and over with fast.”

“Christopher, did you hear me?”

“What?”

“I said, next time you think you have a plan, ask me first. I don’t want you to just drag me around.”

“You want me to help.”