The maid

at enveloped Sinclair Manor. She busied herself with her chores, trying to drown out the memories of that heated moment. But every corner of the house remi

'

d vanished, replaced by a strict professionalism that felt like a cold shower after the heat of their encounter. Victoria found herself

the gardens, and Victoria had just finished her duties for the day when she heard the sound of laughter echoing through

n lights and adorned with beautiful floral arrangements. Guests mingled, their laughter bubbling over glasses of champagne. It was a c

ugh the crowd, engaging with his guests. He looked every bit the powerful man she knew him to be, effortlessly charming and charismatic. But there wa

of urgency and authority. "Miss Victoria, I need you to serve d

eart pounding. "Of

as electric, the guests' laughter and chatter a symphony of life that contrasted sharply with the oppressive quiet she had grown

oup of guests, a glass of wine in hand, but his eyes were locked onto hers with an intensity that sent shiv

through the crowd until he stood before her, his expression unreadable. The noi

d smooth, almost lost in the noise aro

she felt herself flush under his gaze.

rill through her. "You shouldn't hide in the shadows.

king her heart flutter with both hope and confusion.

the world around them faded entirely. "I'm serious. I want you to feel welcome here. In fact..." His gaze darkened

ning, a promise of intimacy that both excited and terrified her. She glanced back at Mrs.

said, her h

hrough the crook of his elbow. The connection ignited a spark between them, and they made

tark contrast to the clamor of the gala. They walked in silence, the moonlight casting a

, his expression serious yet filled with an underlying desire. "

er throat. "You've barel

moonlight accentuating the sharp angles of his face. "I thought

them vanished, leaving only the two of them suspended in a moment that fel

between them. "But we need to be careful. If anyone finds out..." H

oice steadier than she felt. "Bu

, and she melted into him, losing herself in the moment. The kiss deepened, growing more urgent, as if they were both trying to m

s he searched her eyes. "We can't let this become reckles

art racing in her chest. "I know. Bu

kiss her again, but instead, he took a step back, the distance betw

hint of frustration coloring his voice. "I don't

laughter from the gala echoed in the distance, Victoria felt both exhilarated and terrified. They we