**Elena**
The grand piano played a soft, elegant version of the Happy Birthday song as we re-entered the hall.
Guests turned their heads, pausing their chatter to watch us. My heels clicked softly against the marble floor, but all I could hear was the pounding of my heart.
Xavier walked beside me—no, he practically had me locked in his arms like I might slip away at any second.
His hand stayed firmly on my waist, warm and possessive. I could still feel the effect of his lips on mine.
My cheeks were burning, and no matter how hard I tried to keep my expression neutral, the blush gave me away.
I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened just ten minutes ago. We’d barely talked, just made out.
And then—
That poor maid.
She had dared to knock because it was past time for the grand
