the room in a warm light, casting elegant shadows across the marble floors. The grandeur of the Blackwood estate never failed to impress, but tonight, it was n

ad fallen into an old, familiar dance that time had never interrupted

bit, Nora. Still the sa

ered, her lips curling into a smirk. "Thou

cerity slipping through. "Good to know," he

ests exchanged curious glances, their murmurs weaving into the music. But

blade, dissecting every shared smile, every lingering glance. His fingers curled into tight fists at his sides, nails nearly biting

distance between them. His movements were smooth, calculated, predatory. T

hing in her expression changed-just the faintest dimming of light i

eted, her voice

ked to Andrew, his ja

us hostility, merely grinned

s." His voice was smooth, controlled, but his eyes burned with something dark

epped away. She didn't hesitate, didn't argue. She simply nodded and followed Lu

re alone, his comp

, Nora?" His voice was low, edged

igning innocence. "I do

now. "You were parading around with him, laughin

with amusement. "Don't flatter yourself,

you're my wife," he ground out. "And people are

s marriage is a business transaction, Lucas. Don't mistake it fo

ticked as he stepped closer, invading her space. His presence was suffocat

" she shot back. "Let me make something clear, Lucas. I'm not here to play the obedien

e couldn't quite name. It was frustrating how effortlessly she defied

nd, she turned on her

a statement with each one. When she reached Andrew again, she slipped easi

the exchange with mild concern

mpagne from a passing waiter. She took a measured sip, lett

as knew

nreadable flickering behind his dark gaze. The weight of her

his carefully constructed world-and he was