Year
BI Airport, a sea of reporters
let in the country, cameras poised, micropho
i L
r the annual "Mana Dance Competition"-the industry's most prestigious event. Her
oth palms against the glass window, her nose nearly tou
ond the journalists, she spotted influencers and independent bloggers-all of them angling for t
ive for hours, their audiences holding
as landed. We expect her to walk through th
n history. The winner will have the opportunity to become her personal protégé, so the competition promises to be fi
asked at last? While we wait, let me walk you
finally. She reached down and took her daughter
downstairs and heade
trousers stood waiting. Her face broke into
woman of the hour." She pulled Cynthia in
ll surprised her sometimes-and hugged her olde
e pulled back with a grin. "And I'm not the only one. There are
finger to her lips. "I was hoping to
t through the middle of that crowd in broad daylight, and no one would
s to the little girl. "And look at y
k. The last time they had seen each other was over six mo
right?" Cynthi
rfect-now that you're here." Her voice softened. "You have no id
She cupped Maude's face in her tiny hands.
loe to her other hip and nodded toward the parking area. "But first,
chaos of the main arrivals hall. The afternoon air was cris
a ripple of commotion swept
urned ins
w group had emerged from the terminal-four
hia
them in
porter called out. "Have you come
ely thrilled that Cici Lane is returning to our city. It would be our honor to greet her in person. She is, without questio
beside his queen. "Having Cici Lane here is an honor for our entire city," he added smoothly.
he edge of the crowd,
drifted t
ened; Harry's shoulders had broadened. They stood on either side of Aureli
. Three years, and they've b
s and gently pulled her away from the scene. "We need to go, or dinner's goi
on the crowd, on the cameras, on the family th
huddle, Kane's at
re moving through the flow of travelers. Tall. Slender. Dres
ked cars with quiet purpose. But there was something about the way
ili
low, instinctive
or anything that might explain the sudden a
ng. No recognizable
left his lips befo
gh his thoughts. Her hand touche
in the black coat had di
is head. "
sighed and glanced around the arrivals hall. "Where is Cici Lane?
ulled it from his pocket
left the airport. Sh
He turned to Aurelia.
"Gone? How? We've bee
esture that looked comforting but felt automatic. "Don't worry.
first. Wanted to make an impression before anyone else could. S
going to ta
he still wi
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