Later that evening, as the lights dimmed slightly and the floor was cleared for the traditional waltz, the host invited the guests to take part. Soft piano music floated through the air.
Tumayo si Estevan at iniabot ang kan’yang kamay kay Eloise.
Npakurap siya. “You’re asking me to dance? Now?”
“I’m asking you to make Elias irrelevant.”
She stared at him for a moment, then exhaled. “Alright.”
Naglakad sila papunta sa gitna, at sa paglapit ni Estevan, nang dumantay ang kamay niya sa dibdib nito, doon niya naramdaman ang pintig ng puso ng binata.
“You don’t have to protect me all the time,” she said quietly.
Bahagyang humigpit ang pagkakahawak ng kamay ng binata sa bewang niya. “I know. But I want to.”
A sudden breath hitched in her throat when Estevan leaned in closer, his voice bru
