nodded once, then turned to James, “Have Desmond assign to men to follow them.”
Right away, sir, James replied instantly,
I stood frozen in place, so lost in thought that I didn’t notice Brandeb approaching until he was standing directly in front of me, one hand extended elegantly, “May I have the honor of this first dare, Miss Taylor?” he asked, his voice carrying just the right note of professional courtesy,
I hesitated, my mind still stuck on Elle’s strange outburst, Was Elle taking me for somebody else?
“Miss Taylor?‘ Brandon prompted softly, his eyebrow arched slightly Hmm?”
I snapped back to reality, placing my hand in his much larger one. The honored, Mr. Stark. Please lead the way.”
All eyes were on us as we moved to the center of the dance floor. I couldn’t help noticing the whispers–how despite our relatively simple attire compared to the others, we somehow looked like we belonged together.
The music began, a slow, elegant waltz. Brandon’s hand settled at my waist, the heat of his palm burning through the thin fabric of my dress. With practiced ease, he guided me through the first steps, leading so skillfully that I felt as though I were floating.
“June,” he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear, “what do you think of your husband’s dancing skills?”
I smiled up at him, keeping my voice equally low. “Mr. Stark certainly has a talent for surprising me in the most unexpected ways. I’m absolutely delighted!”
“So you’re pleased with my surprise?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.
I made a show of considering it, my lips pursed in mock seriousness. More shocked than pleased, to be honest.”
“Brat,” he whispered, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “I thought you’d be touched. Do you have any idea how much planning it took to make sure your number would be the one I pulled?”
“You’re being incredibly obvious tonight,” I pointed out, concern creeping into my voice. “After this, I’m going to be the target of every woman in this room.”
“Don’t worry about that,” he assured me, executing a perfect turn that had us gliding across the floor. “I’ve already set up another distraction as a lightning rod for any potential negativity.”
My eyes darted to the corner where Victoria stood watching us, her beautiful face twisted with barely disguised hatred. “You don’t mean Victoria, do you?”
“Mmm–hmm,” he confirmed, the sound rumbling deep in his chest.
“I’m not sure that worked as well as you thought,” I said doubtfully. Also, what was that weird meltdown from Elle? Did she think she is the one who dances with you?”
Brandon’s arm tightened around my waist. “I promise you, Elle won’t be a problem for you.”
“Why?” I pressed, sching his face for answers.
“You’ll understand soon enough,” he said cryptically. His expression softened as he guided me through another turn. “Now focus on the dance. Stop thinking about people who don’t matter.”
1/2
Chapter 249
I followed his lead, allowing my body to move in perfect synchronization with his. As the music reached its crescendo, Brandon spun me once more before dipping me gracefully in his arms, ending our performance with a flourish.
The crowd burst into applause we held the position for a moment longer than necessary. I could feel Brandon’s breath warm against my neck, his arms solid and secure around me. When he finally helped me straighten, his hand lingered at my waist.
“Miss Taylor dances beautifully,‘ he announced to the crowd, his voice carrying that perfect blend of professional appreciation and appropriate distance.
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