Handcuffs And Kisses (Series #1)

Chapter 9

Lilian Carson POV

The mysterious man’s hand moved with a subtle grace, almost a magician’s sleight of hand. In the brief moment our bodies were close, a small, dark card was pressed into my palm. His fingers brushed mine, a fleeting touch that sent a strange shiver through me.

“Park Industries,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. A number followed, spoken so quickly it was almost swallowed by the surrounding noise. “Call if you ever want to wake up from this nightmare.” His dark eyes held mine for a fraction of a second longer, a silent promise or perhaps a warning, before he straightened and melted back into the throng of guests.

Hesitantly, I closed my fingers around the card, the smooth, expensive feeling is like a contrast to the cage around me. Part of me screamed to throw it away, to sever any connection to this unknown man. But another part, the desperate, caged bird within, clung to it like a lifeline. I slipped it into the small hidden pocket of my dress, my fingers brushing against the cold, hard edge of possibility.

Across the room, I felt Alexander’s gaze intensify. His earlier easy charm had vanished, replaced by a sharp, calculating look. He had seen the exchange, however brief. I could feel his suspicion radiating towards me like a physical force. He started to move, his purposeful stride cutting through the crowd, his eyes locked on my position.

But as Alexander drew closer, the mysterious was gone. Vanished without a trace, as if he’d never been there at all. I blinked, surprised by his swift departure. It was almost unsettling.

Alexander reached me, his presence immediately dominating the space around me. “Who was that?” His voice was low, dangerously soft, the pleasant facade completely dropped.

I forced a nonchalant shrug, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Just another guest offering their congratulations, I presume.”
His eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. “He seemed to be offering more than just congratulations.”

“Did he?” I tilted my head, feigning innocence. “Perhaps he admired my dress. You did pick it out, after all.” I laced my tone with a saccharine sweetness that I hoped would irritate him.

“Don’t play coy with me, Lilian.” His hand tightened on my back, a subtle warning. “What did he say?”

“Oh, you know,” I said airily, waving a dismissive hand. “The usual pleasantries. Asked if I was enjoying the party, complimented the décor. Nothing of consequence.”

Before he could press further, a hush fell over the grand hall. The lively chatter died down, replaced by the first soft notes of a serene music. The chandeliers seemed to dim slightly, casting a romantic glow over the room. Couples began to pair off, their movements slow and graceful as they took to the polished dance floor.

Alexander’s intense gaze softened, replaced by a practiced charm. He extended a hand towards me, a predatory smile playing on his lips. “Shall we? It would make quite the picture for our esteemed guests.”

My stomach clenched. I couldn’t dance. Not properly. The few times I’d tried, I’d ended up tripping over my own feet. The thought of stumbling in front of this entire crowd, under Alexander’s watchful eye, was mortifying.

“I… I don’t dance,” I stammered, my cheeks flushing.

He chuckled, a low, confident sound.

“Nonsense. Just follow my lead. I won’t let you fall.” He took my hand before I could protest, his grip firm and inescapable. He led me onto the dance floor, the eyes of everyone in the hall following our every move.

The music swelled, a melancholic yet beautiful melody filling the air. Alexander placed his other hand on my waist, pulling me closer until our bodies were mere inches apart. His gaze locked with mine, his icy blue eyes holding a strange intensity.