Levka took a sip of his drink, careless of Adrik’s attitude. He’s holding a grudge because Levka went up against him in basketball in seventh grade and won. The poor man’s pride couldn’t handle the defeat.
There she is.
Levka’s gaze followed the movement. It was a flash of gold and blond hair but he knew it was her—instinctively—naturally. He shifted, watching as Luerna dipped out of the crowd and slipped through a doorway.
Levka didn’t hesitate. He took up his drink and excused himself before he ran out after her. He was blind in his attempt. He didn’t care who noticed him. He was out the door, searching while trying to remain in control, but desperation was clawing at him.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck, shit, fuck.” Luerna’s sharp whispers were enough to pull him in her direction with a curious smile on his lips.
He found her in a hallway, trapped in a corner. With her back to him, she was leaning over and holding something to her chest. She wore a smooth gold dress that glittered in the light. Her long neck was exposed, with her hair up in a twisted braid, leading to all sorts of inappropriate thoughts.
“You alright?”
Her head snapped around. Her sharp blue eyes pinned him frozen. “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you. Go away.”
Levka didn’t move. Why was she always so curt with him? Did she see him as an annoying child pulling at her skirt? “What’s wrong?” he asked forcefully, hoping she could see a man in front of her willing to help.
She scoffed and cursed again, “I told him I wasn’t ready. But what the fuck do I know?” With defeat in her shoulders, she slapped her hands down and turned to him. Tears pooled in her eyes as she exposed the stains on her silk dress. Milk leaked from each breast, leaving an embarrassing dark trail.
Humiliation was all over her face. “Think you can help with this?” The question dripped with sarcasm as if he was too dumb to be of any aid. She shook her head. “I can’t catch a break.” Her hands went to her face, groaning.
Levka had rarely ever seen Luerna, but she was always intense. She moved with purpose, never sitting still or unsure of herself. She was fierce in everything she put her mind to. And this was him just getting glimpses of her. To see her raw, honest, and broken gave him the barest hope that he could somehow gain her attention. If he only had the solution to her problem.
“Don’t get pissed at me,” he warned.
Luerna took her hands away from her face. “What?”
Levka threw his drink at her, and a sudden gasp quickly replaced the confusion.
She blinked at him as liquid dripped to the floor. “What the fuck?”
Levka smiled, and out of spite or to make her laugh, he held the glass over her and let the last drops fall. “There. Fixed.”
A half laugh snuck out of her before she clamped her mouth shut. “Thanks,” she nipped.
“Anytime.”
“Probably could have just given me your jacket.”
Levka touched his expensive suit. “I like my jacket.”
Her exasperated expression forced him to act. He held out the glass. “Hold this.” After she snatched it out of his hand, he unbuttoned his coat, keeping his eyes on her the whole time. Her blue gaze flickered to the left and right, avoiding him, but it only encouraged him to be as awkward as possible. He wanted to be unforgettable. He wanted her to think about him weeks from now and perhaps the next time there’s a party, she’ll wonder if that strange man was there too.
Levka stepped up to her, and though she held out her other hand for the jacket, he ignored her and swung it around her shoulders. He was close enough to see the thin tendrils gracing her cheek, the perfected makeup on her thick lips, and the dark lashes of her eyelids. He thought she was taller. Or perhaps she had been at one point, but now he was looking down at her. “Not such a kid anymore, am I?”
The flush of her cheeks accelerated his heart. He wanted to know what it meant. If, at the very least, she found him attractive. His gaze dropped to her painted lips, the closest he’d ever been. Every fantasy and daydream he’s ever had couldn’t compare to reality.
Her head dropped. “Thank you.” She stepped back.
Levka pulled away and snapped out of his stupidity. He took the glass out of her hand, glancing into it, wishing there was just a little left to smother the ache in his chest.
“I hear you’re marrying my sister.”
“Not if I can help it.” The words fell off his lips too fast to stop it. He snapped his head up, wide-eyed. “I mean, I would love the opportunity–”
“You don’t have to convince me,” she assured.
Luerna clenched the edge of his jacket, the smell of him intoxicating. She blamed her ridiculous hormones but found herself leaning into the fabric until her nose touched the seam. She could feel his eyes on her like there was nothing better to look at. She wished to see what he saw because all she felt in the last year was utter hatred for her body.
