TRUTH IN THE ASHES

Point

already pushing marriage on me. Don't worry-you'll meet her soon," I replied, brushing off her concerns. Accordi

x son, I knew my responsibilities. I knew the expectations. But I wasn't going to settle for just anyone. I was loo

ces. They threw themselves at men and called it love. I hated that. It was exhausting. So tonig

around. After some polite greetings and acknowledgements, I got straight to busines

ed. Right then, my phon

a quieter place t

e taking the call. As I turned toward the entrance, that's w

e sh

looked lost, and something in me shifted-like I had to help her. My plan had been

aying she was fine. I wanted to stay, to keep talking with her, or better yet take her hand and lead her

ed. But I couldn't focus. Not really. I kept zoning out, thinking about her innocent face, she seeme

d walked straight toward her. But fate

ed to fix my suit, brushing it gently, and all I could focus on was her voice

imples with a light blue eyes, the light scent of champagne on her breath; her hair had lavende

, the moment ended. I could see the embarrassment on her face, and I figured she would probab

ow more about her so I instructed the security officer

ed-I did not ev

d anxious like she was in a hurry to leave, b

ing already?

push. She looked uncomfortable, many eyes on

I took off my coat and place

his-it's freez

e. She simply sa

ou get home

taxi," she re

d besides," I smiled, "you still have my coat. You c

n, she nod, "O

ess.

gently closed the door. Turned around and

he address to James, m

our name?

Tannie Moreau

en she looked a

Alex, right

e because I wanted her to see me as the Devereux heir then I would

he kind that wasn't

in this tow

ey lady and parties and gatheri

there, when you asked for a

d. "Very

habit of char

look like they

u think I don't?"

ause you watch the party; inste

ted between us-like a quiet understand

," James said, br

r seatbelt and said

all me Alex.

the coat. Let me know when

t I gently stopped her. "It's cold.

excuse. I wanted to see her

o her gate aft

number in my phone book. Just in case. But even if I l

ike I planned... but I wouldn't