A Night, A Secret, A Billionaire's Baby

them faded away, the sounds of chatter and laughter dimming in the background. All she could hear

d commanding. His other hand held hers, his fingers long and strong. T

r hand, stumbled slightly, caught off guard by how fast he led them. But Damon didn't let her falter. Hi

s," he said, his voice a low murmur as they

her throat. His presence was overwhelming in a way she couldn't quite exp

ng through the thin veil of the mask that covered part o

t sounded more like a nervous c

ust enough to show a hint of amusement. "But there's something about

ir weight pressing down on her. There was an intensity to him, an almost mag

eflecting, trying to keep the conv

"You're much more t

in perfect sync, the rhythm of the waltz somehow matching the unspoken tension b

t a whisper. "What brings you to a ball like this? You do

she was willing to share. She wasn't lying when she said she didn't belong h

t want to tell him about Sophie's constant urging to get out of her shell, to m

ers she'd carefully built around herself. "I see. Well, I'm glad you're here. It'

r of curiosity. "Bu

talk numbers and sales figures instead of enjoying the moment." He paused, as if consideri

xpected that

lds. She wasn't from money. She wasn't even close. The people she worked with in the design world were p

hat he was different. There was a warmth about him, a strange mag

n," she said before she could stop herself.

g in his eyes. "What's the typical bus

ant?" She bit her lip, em

h and genuine. "I'm not cold

heart skip a beat. She tried to focus on the dance, tried to

s becoming more fluid, more intimate. Emily's pulse raced, not just from the

. She barely noticed, lost in the sensation of being held so close, of his

ded. The orchestra finished the final note, and the appla

his hands lingering on her wa

way he was looking at her, something raw and hungry. The chemistry between the

mouth to speak, Sophie appeared at

ong," she teased, her eyes fl

e pulled away, trying to gather her thou

ression still unreadable. "A ple

to grab another drink," she said, giv

el colder. He stepped closer, his voice low. "I don't usual

asn't sure what to say

you'll let me take you out for dinner t

't know what it was about him, but she found

hat," she s

g of something much more complicated. And yet, there was also a whisper of excitement. For th