They barely spoke on the ride home.
Dorian’s hand never left hers. Not once. And Cassia didn’t pull away.
She was still flushed from the heat of his mouth, the things he whispered while she tried to walk back through the gala like nothing had happened. Her dress clung to her damp skin. Her heels still ached. Her body still hummed.
She should have been tired. But she wasn’t.
Inside the house, the light was low. Only sconces lit the corridor. Shadows curled across the floor like waiting hands.
Dorian didn’t lead her upstairs.
He paused outside the wine cellar, turned to face her.
“Take off the dress.”
His voice was softer now. A question wrapped in an order.
Cassia’s heart pounded.
She stepped closer.
And reached for the straps.
She didn’t look away. She watched his face as the s
