t the cool marble wall, sucking in a deep, shuddering breath. The opulent s

face a pale mask of tension, her eyes wide with a haunted look she hadn't seen in years. She s

dynamic had shifted. Chloe and Tessa were now leaning in, listening intently as Holden spoke. He wasn't saying

doration. The sight sent a fresh wav

iscreetly in the center of the table. Before anyone could suggest spl

was nice to meet Ashley's friends." The words were polite, but t

swooning. "Thank you so much, H

ding slightly apart from the

e cool night air. The breeze felt good on Dia

ly," she announced brightly. "What do you say we go for anoth

ression unreadable. "If you girls wa

diately agreed, thei

eyes turne

come! I was just telling Holden how you have an amazing voice.

rigid. High school. How did Ashley know ab

den, searching his f

e, but when Ashley said the word "singing," his eyes seemed to dark

gainst her ribs. She couldn't do this. She couldn't spend

uys. I really don't feel well. My head is killing me." She looked di

ou off," Chloe offered, her

r hand dismissively. "The dorm is close. I'll just get a c

s face, but she masked it quickly. "Ok

eady and intense. It felt like he could see right through h

gave a quick, general wave to the group and turned, wal

he hailed the first taxi she saw and scrambled insid

ready turned his attention back to Ashley, lean

ed walking in the direction of the Velv

d her. Dianna leaned her head back against the cool leather of the seat, finally allowing herself to breathe