: Cracks

was unb

vet, thigh-slit high enough to spark whispers. Her heels gleamed under the c

ep in conversation with corporate suits

s the ballroom, sipping c

r cousin whisp

ed under her breath. "He blends in, never

gled. "But he'

her eyes. "He'

-

Xavier drove the

from the wine. The night had lef

tor, she fin

d me the en

avier said calmly. "I in

he same as ta

furrowed. "Do you want

enched. "F

xist unless I do something wrong. Now you're mad I d

use I felt li

tor doors

didn'

. Not past her. Not

eautiful toni

a bli

se... I didn't know how to,"

er now. "Then say

to her lips for t

try,"

e elevator, leaving her stunn

-

, the air wa

over the kitchen stool, and she pulled it on without th

n mid-toast-mak

earing my

own. "Yeah. It'

ust... stared for

e turn

tare stuck

-

t happened tw

a got

nt after the fourth glass of wine. She came home with smudged

at the door,

u o

mbling slightly. "I danced

idn't

azily. "You

ped her through the door, h

nto the couch. "

r hes

fingers fumbling slight

grazed

breath

not

e asked again

o see him from the corner of her e

oze.

ke I annoy you. Like you

answer i

u don't a

ned. "Yo

e were forced into this. I didn't expect to l

d n

hers. "Now I'

ghed softl

ce after

t full of things neith

ally, clearing his

d sleepily.

ithout a word, off

took

time, she fell asleep with him