lasses, but Isabella felt far away from it all. Her mind was still spinning after her fight with Seraphina earlier. Every careful step she made seemed heavy

room. She had an odd, tingling feeling that something had changed between her and Nathaniel. You can dance? The question came from behind her, and his voice was warm and near. She turned to see Nathaniel standing there, his hand outstretched in an invitation. His eyes were dark and searching, but he wasn't pushing or forcing anything. It was an offeran interest, but not a demand. Isabella thought for a moment. I'm not here to have fun. Nathaniel remarked, I'm not asking you to entertain, and his voice was calm and assured. Just a dance. One dance. Just out of curiosity. Something in his words stirred her. She had never liked games before, but Nathaniel seemed different. Yes, it was dangerous, but in a manner that she couldn't deny it was interesting. She squinted at him, judging him. Mr. Hawke, you're a curious man. He grinned, the same cryptic smile that had grown so common. Miss Gallagher, curiosity can be dangerous. But it's also what makes life exciting. Isabella put her hand in his and felt the heat of his touch through her flesh. The touch was short, but it was enough to make her body feel a little bit more conscious. She couldn't help but note how easily he moved as he led her onto the dance floor. Each stride was planned and controlled. The music was slow and steady, and they fell into the rhythm of the dance, but there was a lot of tension between them. She stayed away from him, looking straight ahead, but she could feel him like a magnet pulling her in. Why do you feel so sure? she questioned, her voice barely audible above the music. Experience, he said, his voice deep and funny. And a strong desire to stay safe. She said, Must be nice, and looked at him out of the corner of her eye. She knew better than to trust someone like Nathaniel, who always