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“And do you like it or not?” she asks, sounding almost nervous.

“Of course I like it, Selene,” I tell her honestly, reaching out to help her down the last few steps. “You’d look like a fucking fairy with any hair color,” I add, completely in awe. “You’re absolutely irresistible.”

I lean in to kiss her, but her response brings me to an abrupt stop.

“Are you sure?” Her voice comes out quieter this time. “You don’t think it’s too much or too little…”

“Hey, hey,” I interrupt gently. “What’s going on, babe?”

One finger slips beneath her chin, lifting it until she meets my eyes. Her big blue eyes hold a trace of uncertainty, something uneasy lingering beneath the surface.

With a quiet sigh, she finally admits, “I just want to make sure you think I look okay… and that I can show up like this on your arm.”

“Jesus,” I breathe out in disbelief. “Show up like this on my arm?”

I can’t believe what I’m hearing.

What the hell is she talking about?

Heat rushes beneath my skin, but I force myself to keep my tone calm.

“Selene, do you realize how beautiful you are?”

Her lips part to answer, but I don’t give her the chance.

Taking her hand, I guide her to the massive mirror by the entrance. I position her one step in front of me, then gently lift her chin until she has no choice but to look at her own reflection.

“Do you see yourself? Do you see how every light in this room looks like it gravitates toward you?” My voice stays soft yet firm, even though I feel like shouting. “Do you realize how fucking sexy you are? Do you realize you turn heads everywhere you go, whether you’re wearing makeup or not, whether you’re in a gown or some random sweats?”

Again, she tries to speak, but I keep going.

“When you look in the mirror, is this body you see too? A body that makes any man salivate, a body any woman would be proud to have. A body that drives me insane. A body I can never stop touching, kissing, fucking.”

The second the words leave my mouth, I turn her to face me again and wait for her answer.

Her eyes are glossy now, tears threatening to spill despite her obvious effort not to ruin her makeup.

“Tell me you didn’t actually think—even for a second—that you need to reach some kind of level or try harder to deserve standing beside me or being part of my life, Selene.”

“It’s the first time we’re appearing in public as a couple, Zayn,” she answers hesitantly, avoiding my gaze.

Something about her feels off.

Her tone. The hesitation.

But maybe she’s overwhelmed because she knows we’ll be the center of attention tonight. She knows the press will be there, which means that in a few hours, we’ll become headlines.

Just like Sierra and Thalia were when their relationships with Nick and Ethan became public, Selene will be analyzed and picked apart down to the smallest detail.

“Pixie, everyone who looks at us tonight is going to see how lucky I am to have a woman like you beside me—gorgeous, smart, kind, and loving.”

I pull her into my arms and press a soft kiss to the top of her head. Her arms slip around my waist in return, holding me just as tightly.

“Thank you, Zayn,” she whispers. “I’m nervous, and I needed reassurance from you.”

I hold her closer without saying anything else, breathing in her familiar scent until the tension slowly eases from my body.

My personal dose of peace.