NI

ome and have some much-needed alone time. Before Klaus, my best friend and business partner ruined the dream, my mind had already b

ur absence? He was aware that it was one of those debates I couldn't win. I was stranded in a

e you're at a funeral." "Come on. It's one night. Show the donors you're human, not some stoic, untouchable CEO. At least tr

missing me with a gesture. "Take a break, fix your mood, and for

m's safety. I spent thirty minutes idly reading through messages and emails wh

teady her as the shock of her hit knocked me out of my reverie. She passed beneath the glaring light that r

tinged with a suggestion of something deeper. I managed to say, "No, it's my fault," but the words seemed awkward and alien to me. Something I couldn't identify charged the moment that drew us together. She didn't stay.

rewled, "Let me guess," as he approached. "You believe she in

was surprised by the assurance in my voice

ignored him. The thought that she might still be around was unnerving. "Who was she?" Inste

urd it seemed. It was a tortuous parade of force

l status as they talked and conjectured about my personal life. They didn't know. I had located her already. Her apathy was both frustrating and interesting; she didn't

aid, "I'm cutting in," in a tone that made no space for compromise. He laughed and stepped aside, and then she was in my arms. My other arm settled at her waist as her palm rested on my shoulder, its touch electrifying. The world had shrunk to the two of us, but the music churned and eddied around us. She said

d and offered us wine glasses. She accepted hers, sipped once, and then set it on a passing tray. "I s

earm. My thoughts were racing, and a shock wave rushed through my veins. Unless they had a reason, no one showed out at a

ld mine for a fraction of a second too long, and her motions were s

llow her. I'm curious about every detail about her. Klaus's eyes grew wide, but he

t. Having fallen into a foul temper, I left the crowd. I felt as though I was being choked

slant of her gaze, and the cool weight of the gun concealed beneath her clothing were all vivid and persistent images that lasted