Then it’s gone.
Replaced by that perfectly composed smile.
The one that hides more than it reveals.
“You are a mysterious woman, Cecilia.”
I laugh, short and sharp, using humor like armor. “Me? No, I’m really not.”
He shakes his head, eyes glinting. “You are. And tell me—why law? You could have done anything. Finance. Politics. Modeling.”
I almost choke on my wine.
“Modeling? Really?”
He looks genuinely confused.
“Why is that funny?”
I set the glass down, the stem cold against my fingers.
“Well, now I know Remy was bullshitting. I doubt you’ve ever met any real supermodels.”
“What? Why do say that?”
“Because I’m nobody’s idea of a model.”
“I beg to differ,” he says softly, his gaze trailing over me like a caress. “You, kardhoúla mou, are exquisite.”
That word—exquisite—lands like a touch on my skin.
Hot. Heavy. Possessive.
But I don’t flinch. I meet his eyes and smile, slow and knowing.
“I didn’t say I wasn’t.”
His brow arches slightly.
“I know it’s weird to say this,” I continue, “but I know exactly how I look. The tattoos, the piercings. Some people hate them, but I’m confident enough to know their opinions don’t matter. I think I look good. I know I’m attractive, but I also know I’m way too thick and curvy for any kind of modeling.”
I shake my head before he can interrupt me.
“It’s just a fact. And it’s fine. The point is, you don’t need to say things like that to me, Atlas. I know what I am.”
His eyes darken, something like amusement—or hunger—flickering there.
“I’m afraid I have to disagree. I’m not at all certain that you do know what you are, Cecilia Batiste.”
“It’s like you said,” I finish, voice smooth as the silk napkin in my lap, “I’m very well educated. And I believe in being straightforward.”
“A straightforward lawyer?” he repeats, voice low, the sound rolling through his chest like distant thunder. “See? I was right. Mysterious.”
Then he does it.
He reaches across the table and takes my hand before I can stop him.
His fingers are warm, his palm callused in a way that doesn’t match the cut of his suit or the shine of his watch.
