The car stopped at the private drive. Marble pillars under warm lights. A doorman already moving. Adrian stepped out first, smoothed his jacket, then turned back and extended his hand toward me.
I placed my hand in his. His grip was firm and deliberate, the grip of a man performing courtesy, and he released me the moment my feet hit the pavement. He moved toward the entrance without waiting. I kept pace without being invited to walk beside him.
My heart was still too loud. My skin still felt tight from earlier, from the way his hands had been, and I hated that it was still in my body. I pushed it down and lifted my chin and walked into the warmth of chandeliers and low voices.
A host appeared. "Mr. Vale, your party has arrived."
"We'll join them."
I followed. Chin up. Eyes clear. Ever
