The Love We Left Behind

e weight of the past pressing against the present. His touch wasn't unfamil

just close enough to suggest familiarity but far enough to remind

king glasses, the hum of the orchestra-it all fa

murmured, his breath just near eno

ssion neutral. "I h

corner of his lips. "A

s are hard

betr

he moment like a blade

't falter. She had prepared for this. She knew he would

e countered, he

grip on her waist tightened, just slightly.

businessman in front of her slipped awa

he had on

ould dwell on it

s tone indifferent. "One moment, it's the most powerful fo

her throat. "And yet, you

I wanted to remind you how easy it

ong e

stepping back as if the

ay, leaving Rose standing in the middle of the dance floor-heart racing, mind spi

neede

e a welcome relief against her heated skin. The gala

er fingers gripping the cool meta

n ye

just a single dance, Julian had manage

g away

stiff

o standing behind her, a

rcing a polite smile. "Did

t the railing beside her. "You know me, I

g her head. "Still t

ing to be fine," Antonio

dn't r

"I saw you dan

away. "It was

o scoffed. "An

ss chuckle. "You don't have

said, his tone softer now. "E

him, seeing the c

ay anything, a new

s Ca

nd them seem

ng as she saw Julian standing

t his eyes-those piercing, calcul

is credit, di

just a little too amused. "Did yo

, dangerous smile. "I came to re

tomach t

etween them, a silent war being waged

en, his gaze unwavering

or only a second

. "Guess the b

tic smile before follow

ouldn't shake the feeling that

an wasn't ju

s her

done making

ide was s

ing even without words. The tension between them was

indow, watching the c

finally said, br

react. "What

d. "Still keeping

face him. "Why

, dark and unread

i

ngers tapped against his knee, in

e tonight?" she asked. "To remi

in it. "Oh, Rose. You never escaped me.

eath h

down, she fear

up to her apa

ve, his gaze sti

s voice softer now, almost dangerous in i

ly a moment before st

an drive away, she

just work

rapped in

e was no