sual defenses, vanished. I was standing there, froze

efore I could stop it. It was ridiculous, and I knew it the second I said it. "F

tare so piercing I felt like he could see every panicked thought

sion. He looked from Liam' s formidable figure to m

, fleeting glance that made the poor guy flinch. "I

r me. It was nice meeting you, Chloe." He practically bolted, disappeari

nding in the middle of the dance f

was he to judge me? This was p

rossing my arms. My voice was a little shakier

sip of his drink. "We're launching a new partnership.

ason to be at this exact club on this exact night. My brief moment o

f them, a stunningly beautiful woman with long dark hair, waved in our direction. Sarah Vance, the famous

The contract. Public appearances. I wa

t smile plastered itself on my face. I glided over to Liam an

, my voice dripping with affection. "I would have waited f

your friends? We should go say hi. I've

usement in his eyes. He was playing alo

softening just enough to be convincing to any

gesture that was both proprietary and sup

, darling,

s across the room. She had finally noticed the drama

d a look that I hoped said, Don't you

r silent, judgmental stare on my back as Liam opened the car door for me like a perfect gentleman. The door closed, shu