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“I wish Sloane would’ve introduced us earlier. You’re way more fun than half the people I’m forced to deal with on a daily basis.” Maya sighed. She glanced over my shoulder, and her perfectly shaped brows rose a centimeter. “Wow. The Serb is here. Nowthat’sa surprise.”

I whirled around before I could stop myself.

Despite the hundred plus people crowding the ballroom, I spotted Vuk immediately. The air seemed to warp around him as he entered. Space and time bent to the indomitable force of his presence, and he was the picture of devastation in his black tuxedo.

My pulse fluttered.

I quickly looked away before he caught me staring. Still, my back tingled with awareness. It didn’t matter how near or far he was; I always felt it when he was in the same room.

“Oh.” Maya’s eyes widened. “He’s headed our way.”

“Really? I mean…” I took a gulp of water. “Interesting.”

I hadn’t seen Vuk in person since the rage room. I’d wanted to text him multiple times over the past two weeks, but I kept chickening out. What would I say anyway?

Hey, thanks for letting me smash shit in your basement. By the way, do you want to come over for tea sometime?

No, thanks.

“Oops. Never mind.” Maya was still invested in whatever he was doing behind me. Vuk didn’t attend galas often, so his presence was always a novelty. “I was wrong. He’s talking to the Davenports.”

My chest pinched with disappointment. I peeked behind me again. Vuk was, indeed, talking to Dominic and Alessandra Davenport.

He was facing my way. This time, his eyes slid toward me when I turned. The corner of his mouth tipped up in a knowing smirk.

Shit. Caught red-handed.

Warmth curled around my neck and ears. I yanked my gaze away and finished the rest of my water.

When did it get so hot in here?

“Are you okay?” Maya asked. Her brow furrowed. “You look a little flushed.”

“Mm-hmm.”Don’t look back. Don’t look back.“Actually, I, um, have to use the restroom, but I’m so glad we were able to chat. This was fun. We should exchange numbers in case you want to grab brunch or hang out sometime. If you want,” I added quickly.

I fought the urge to cringe. Making friends as an adult was like dating—equal parts awkward and mortifying, but when it worked out, it was worth the discomfort.

Maya’s smile dazzled. “I’dloveto.”

After I got her number, I left the ballroom. I really did need to use the restroom, but I had an ulterior motive.

I deliberately passed by Vuk on my way out. I didn’t look at him, but the heat of his gaze seared into my skin.

Thankfully, there was no line at the restroom. I quickly used the facilities and touched up my makeup. When I exited, the hall was empty.

I deflated. Perhaps I’d misread the situation. Perhaps?—

The ballroom doors swung open. Broad shoulders and crisp black lines filled the frame. Just like that, my heart beat faster again.

Vuk’s gaze came my way, cool and assessing.

I ignored him and walked upstairs, my pulse thudding with each step. The second floor was deserted. I kept walking until I reached the doors at the very end of the hall.

The roar of my pulse grew louder. I inhaled a small breath and, with a quick twist of the door handles, stepped inside the Valhalla Club library. Moonlight trickled through the stained-glass windows; hushed silence stretched from the plush carpet to the triple-height ceiling.

I felt rather than heard Vuk enter behind me. A moment later, the doors shut with a soft click, and a shiver ran from my head all the way to my toes.

“You should be downstairs.” His rough voice pebbled my skin with goosebumps.