Page 28 of Let Me Love You

I can’t help but wonder what my life will be like once she’s left. Lonely?

That’s all the reminder I need to reinforce my steel walls. I’ve always kept people at a distance. Except when it comes to Serenity. But now, I need to for her, too. Or I’ll lose myself when she’s gone.

Chapter 12

Serenity

The ballroom is draped with silks—from the chair sashes to the napkins—and is overflowing with food and alcohol. My belly is full of a perfected seared steak and grilled asparagus. I’m still drooling at the thought of it as Victor guides me away from another one of his board members. I think his name was Mr. Tille, but at this point, I’ve met so many people, I’m not sure.

After dinner is served, the classical music changes to more upbeat songs, probably to encourage people to dance. As that thought pops into my head, my heart leaps, and I realize where we’re heading. The dance floor. Up until this moment, I’ve only had to touch his arm—except when I saw how uncomfortable Victor was when speaking to his ex. And when he flinched? I had to step in.

But dancing? Feeling his hands on me … My heart pounds just at the thought of it.

Stop it, heart.

A slow song flows from the speakers, and he pulls me close. One of his hands wraps around my waist while he holds the other out for me to grab. My heart swoops as our skin touches.

I glance away from his blue eyes. They pull me in like his own personal siren song.

“How are you doing?” His minty breath sends goose bumps down my neck.

A few couples dance around us, including the bride and groom, but I can feel eyes upon us. I scan our surrounding area, but people are either locked in conversation or dancing. Am I being paranoid after everything with the loan sharks?

“Come closer,” Victor whispers into my ear. “Mr. Lexington is watching us.”

My whole body shudders as he pulls me closer. I don’t miss the way every muscle in his torso clenches right before he puts distance between us again.

A physical attraction is predictable when the man is hot as fuck. It’s the inner strength I possess that will get me through this without falling into his bed. After being in the dark for so long and only finding out about Paul’s debts after death. I can’t trust another man with my heart.

I force myself to the here and now. I don’t remember what Mr. Lexington looks like but when I look around again, I find a middle-aged man watching us intently. And beside him is a woman whose hands are balled into fists at her side.

Double ugh.

I tilt my head back to Victor. “Does your board believe we’re actually in love?”

“I hope so or else they might tell my father we’re not.” Victor nods in their direction. “I wouldn’t put it past Rose or Mr. Lexington to try to get between us. For different reasons obviously, but they do seem to be working together.”

I always thought his life was rainbows and sunshine with all the money at his disposal, but his life sounds so … sad and lonely. “Is there anyone you do trust?”

He doesn’t say anything for a moment. The easy smile that usually graces his mouth is gone, and his lips are tipped down. “After what happened with Rose, Ana, and then Mr. Smith at the warehouse with Harmony, there’s not a lot of people.”

“What about Sebastian?”

“Just him and Harmony. With my wealth and power, I can’t be too hasty in making friends.” He laughs softly. “I sound pathetic, huh?”

I shake my head. “I suppose someone in your position can’t make friends easily.”

“I’m sure you saw it all online. My life is an open book.”

“Stuff online can’t be trusted. I know how they can twist and manipulate things to make a story interesting.” They did it plenty to my sister while she was on Everlasting Love. “So, all I know is what Harmony has told me and whatever you share.”

Victor pulls me closer, so our bodies are flush together—my chest against his. I pull my hand out of his and instinctively wrap my arms around his neck. His lips hover maybe an inch above mine. My heart hammers against my ribcage so hard I wouldn’t be surprised if he felt it.

He watches me intently, and I resist the urge to squirm. “How about you?” He switches gears so quickly my brain can barely catch up, and I briefly wonder if I affect him as he does me. “Do you have a huge circle of friends?”

I huff out a laugh. “I never had a lot of time for friends. I have Lana, and you’ve already met her. We’ve been best friends since middle school.”

“I can only imagine what kind of bond someone can form with that many years under their belt.” A thoughtful look crosses his face, but he doesn’t take his eyes off mine. “What about your husband?”