pe, crisp and formal, resting on Amel

charity gala," the note read in perfect serif font

nts didn't attend billion-dollar galas in gowns.

.. he ha

ter floated in the air. Paparazzi buzzed at the entrance as London's elite spill

ght blue dress she'd found in the back of a consignment boutique. It hugged her waist

n, he a

y inch of him sculpted in a tailored tux. The photogra

found her

proached, voice lower than

d. "You in

I wasn't sur

't sure

er his arm.

et played a soft waltz. Everything sparkled the walls, the wine,

rk, just a man and a woma

s," he admitted as they

wh

d's full of deals and deception. People love me for

ed. "You don't even

tell

r tongue, the lie about the job, the fake res

loser. His hand

pered. "Let's ju

n he ki

low, searching, like a man trying t

ice early, her heart still fluttering from

e whi

d past her wit

rcom buzz. "Amelia

tening. Alexander stood at th

tur

ly. "About boundaries. About pr

nked. "

ed. I crossed a line. And

rld cr

wh

esit

Isab

gered. "You

m n

kisse

regre

hispered, "

oked

family expects it. I have responsibilities, Ame

ilence, her he

she n

derst

e didn't under

le and trembling, Isabella leaned ag

. "Next time, don't reach fo

didn'

ight to the ele