Page 13

We crossed the threshold into the foyer together, the muffled murmur of arrivals rising around us. I lifted my chin.
I had my own path to follow, even if it led straight back into Leon’s orbit.
As we got closer, Eli and Dominic turned to look at us, and I observed Dominic while maintaining a polite smile.
He stood under the crystal chandelier, shoulders squared like carved marble pillars. His eyes gleamed bright blue against the shadow of the corridor, from a face beyond traditionally attractive, more on the side of overwhelming. When he smiled, his lips curled back in welcome, except the warmth that spread across his features never reached his gaze, as if the motion was more practiced and for appearances.
He had an impressive physique, with broad shoulders that conveyed strength. His large biceps suggested he regularly lifted weights. He sported a meticulously tailored bespoke suit crafted from the finest black silk.
His hair lay slicked back, each strand locked into place, giving him a shine that felt more varnish than style. Something about that look sent a prickle along my spine.
Before I could take a deep breath, he swept one hand around mine and pressed a kiss to the back of it.
Almost instantly, heat flushed over my skin, a tang of metal rose in the back of my throat, and it took all of my strength not to jerk my fingers free from his grip.
“Calista, it’s an honor to meet you.” His voice rolled out smooth and steady, the kind of voice that could hush a crowded room.
If his lips hadn’t lingered on my fingers so long, I might have mistaken his charm for genuine interest.
But those eyes, cold as winter lakes, kept me from believing a single word spilling from his lips.
I withdrew my hand as calmly as possible, jaw tightening as my pulse drummed an erratic beat.
My head spun with questions, chief among them being how I would survive this meeting.
His gaze drifted down my body at a pace meant to trace every inch of me: the cut of my dress, the line of my hips, the curve of my waist. Each second stretched out until I felt exposed and uncomfortable under his scrutiny. Then he nodded once as though ticking a box on an inspection list, and a slow smile crept onto his lips.
The lascivious look on his face repulsed me to my bones.
I straightened my shoulders and raised my chin.
He must have read every rumor about me, my family’s fall, the whispers of scandal, and yet he treated me like something to inspect in a cabinet of curiosities.
I shot a look at Avra. She dipped her head in perfect sympathy, her lips pressed tight, acknowledging our silence.
Relief warmed me in a pool at my feet. At least someone here understood.
Dominic folded his hands in front of him and took a step back.
“Nice to meet you, Dominic.” I let formality rest in my voice like a shield.
Elias cleared his throat. “Avra and I have tickets to the symphony. We’ll leave you to dinner. Our chef has prepared something special.”
His smile offered escape. I’d known about the dinner before I arrived, but at that moment, every bite felt poisoned by embarrassment.
Avra brushed my arm. She stared at the parquet floor, as if willing the moment to pass faster. I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was too late to change our plans.
Elias lifted Avra’s hand.
“It was good to see you, Eli,” Dominic said, sliding one hand into his suit pocket. “Perhaps lunch next week?”
Eli offered a grin. “Absolutely.”
Avra passed me a supportive glance. “Call me later.”
“I will,” I answered, forcing my mouth to curve into a smile.
They walked off together, their footsteps fading against the marble. A moment of quiet settled in their wake, and I turned back toward Dominic.