Page 110 of When Hearts Collide
“I don’t need saving, Ryland. I’ve been free all along. Don’t you see? I don’t want an audience for my song. I just only want to sing for you.”
His nostrils flare, a sharp exhale slips from his lips. His fingers dig deeper into my back, but I don’t feel the pain. His lips part, his eyes turn into molten obsidian as they lock onto my lips, and he dips his head down.
Kiss me, please. Claim me in front of everyone.
My eyes flutter shut.
Applause rings out in the room as the strains of the music fade into silence and a few flashes erupt around us from the paparazzi.
He pulls back, and the room comes into focus. I’m suddenly aware of the furtive whispers and curious gazes, the very public nature of our almost kiss.
A sharp pain pierces my chest as I’m relegated to the shadows once more.
A denial. A rejection. Again.
My heart, which foolishly dared to leap moments ago, sinks back down in my chest. I realize I want him to choose me, to throw caution to the wind. Damn the consequences and the optics.
But I live in the real world and that’ll be selfish of me, won’t it? It’ll be stupid to throw everything I’ve worked for away for a man.
And don’t I deserve more?
My pulse is thready, the pain radiating inside my chest, and I feel breathless as I dip into another curtsy, the answer to his curt bow. He leads me back to the crowds gathered around the dance floor, doling out his usual public smiles to the people seeking his attentions.
Before letting go, he steps close and whispers, “Meet me in The Orangerie in ten minutes.”
Stepping back, he flashes me his impersonal smile, but his brooding eyes reveal the storm brewing within, and he strides away.
I press my hand over my fluttering heart, a riot of conflicting emotions flowing inside me as I stare at his retreating figure, a towering beacon in the sea of fancy dresses and pristine suits.
Ten minutes later, I find my way to The Orangerie, which is nestled in a far corner on the same floor as the ballroom. It’s one of the many courtyards and gardens hidden in the labyrinth inside The Orchid.
The moonlight shines through the clear glass ceilings, casting shadows on the leaves of the citrus trees, the sweet, honeyed scent of the small white blossoms yielding an intoxicating perfume in the air.
I walk toward the trickling sound reaching my ears, and find an intricately designed copper water fountain, the exterior already oxidized into a pale green patina. Leaning closer, I examine the exquisitely carved flowers and delicate little birds flapping their wings.
Then, the air shifts, and a presence fills the room.
I smile, not turning around.
He’s here.
Despite my complicated emotions toward this man, my soul feels settled in his presence.
“I thought you’d enjoy the fountain.” His quiet voice sends shivers up my spine as I straighten up and finally turn toward him.
Ryland stands before me, his face half-cast in the shadows from the pale moonlight, his lips tipping up in a small smile.
He looks dashing in his evening attire. A long time ago, I thought he resembled a villain from the romance novels I read, but I’m clearly wrong.
He’s a prince in disguise.
My prince. The man I’ve been waiting for my whole life. If only he feels the same way about me.
He reaches out and cups his large hand around my face. I lean into his caress and let out a satisfied sigh. Perhaps these stolen moments in the shadows are all we have, but I won’t trade them for the world. Even if my heart yearns for more.
“I should’ve known you’d be here tonight, since Adrian couldn’t come.”
I smile. “I wanted to see you at Christmas. I hope that’s okay.” My fingers trail up his silk lapels, enjoying the way his muscles bunch and ripple under my touch.
