Deborah's POVThe dance floor stretched before us like an ocean of polished marble, couples already swaying to the gentle melody floating from hidden speakers throughout the ballroom. My palms were damp with nervous sweat as Liam guided me toward the centre, his hand warm and steady against the small of my back through the silk of my dress.As he turned to face me, the golden light from the chandeliers caught the sharp lines of his jaw, making him look like something carved from stone and brought to life. His hazelnut-coloured eyes held mine with an intensity that made my stomach flutter."May I have this dance?" Liam asked.His voice was soft, formal, like we were characters in one of the romance novels I loved to read. The question hung in the air between us, and I could smell his cologne mixing with the sweet scent of roses from my corsage and the faint vanilla from the candles scattered around the room.Unable to take her eyes off him, I replied with a smile, "Sorry in advance for
Third Person POV"Probably what every other straight guy with a zip-code is thinking. Who's that incredibly hot chick?" Liam said with a smile even as he was unable to tear his eyes away from hers.The words rolled off his tongue with practised ease, the same casual confidence he used to deflect attention from things that mattered too much. But his voice caught slightly on the last word, betraying the effect she was having on him. The golden light from the chandeliers reflected in her green eyes, and he found himself memorizing the way her lashes cast tiny shadows on her cheeks.Liam moved to stand beside Deborah, extending his arm towards her, like it was the most natural thing in the world. The black fabric of his tuxedo sleeve contrasted sharply against the midnight blue of her dress as he offered her the crook of his elbow.With a bright smile on her face, Deborah hooked her hand on his arm. Her fingers were delicate against the wool of his jacket, and he could feel the slight tre
Third Person POV"Damn, who's that hot hottie?" One of the guys standing within a group in a corner asked, looking in Deborah's direction. As he was standing with Mindy, she turned to see who he was talking about.Liam, who had been sitting at a table close to the entrance with his back to the door anxiously waiting for Deborah, heard the whispers directed to someone behind him. The ice cubes in his untouched drink had long melted, leaving watery rings on the white tablecloth where he'd been nervously moving his glass in circles. His leg bounced under the table as he checked his phone for the third time in five minutes.He turned and stood to his feet as soon as he noticed Deborah standing there, and his entire world seemed to stop."Holy shit," he breathed, completely forgetting where he was.The crystal chandelier above cast golden light across her transformed figure, and Liam felt his breath catch in his throat like he'd been punched. This couldn't be the same girl who he'd left wi
āWhat if everyone laughs at me? What if this was all a terrible mistake? Maybe I'll be better off dying a virgin.ā The thoughts barraged my mind as I stepped out of the vehicle Liam had arranged for me.My legs felt like jelly beneath the flowing midnight blue fabric of my dress. The cool evening air kissed my bare shoulders, and I fought the urge to pull the wrap Maya had draped around me tighter. Every instinct screamed at me to climb back into the car and tell the driver to take me home, where I could hide under my covers and pretend this night never happened.But the car was already pulling away, its red taillights disappearing into the distance like my last chance at escape.I stood on the curved driveway of the country club, staring up at the grand entrance with its towering columns and warm golden light spilling from every window. Music drifted out each time the heavy doors opened, a mix of laughter and conversation that made my stomach clench with nerves.This was it. No turni
Deborahās POV I was still in my pajamas, nursing my second cup of coffee and trying to convince myself that today was really happening, when Liam knocked on my door. Three sharp raps, confident and demanding attention just like everything else about him."Come in," I called, pulling my robe tighter around myself.He entered with that easy stride of his, looking disgustingly put together for eight in the morning. His hair was perfectly styled, his clothes wrinkle-free, and he smelled like expensive cologne and morning showers. Meanwhile, I probably looked like I'd been hit by a truck."Morning, sunshine." His eyes swept over my appearance, and I caught the hint of amusement in them. "How did your exam go yesterday?"I blinked at him, momentarily confused. "My exam?""The one you were stressing about all week? Computing Structure, I think?" He had the grace to look sheepish. "Sorry, I meant to ask last night when we were talking, but I got distracted by the whole investigation thing."
Deborahās POV I pushed open the door to my room, expecting to see the same destruction Olivia had left behind last night. Torn papers scattered like confetti across my floor, books thrown from their shelves, clothes pulled from my closet and trampled underfoot. The memory of finding my sanctuary violated still made my stomach clench. But instead, everything was perfect. My desk sat clean and organized, papers stacked in neat piles. The books that had been thrown across the room were now arranged by height along my bookshelf. The clothes that had been torn from hangers were folded and put away. "What the hell?" The words slipped out before I could catch them. "Language, Deborah." I spun around, my heart jumping into my throat. Liam stood in my doorway, leaning against the frame with that infuriating smirk of his. But what made my stomach drop wasn't his presence. It was the book in his hands. My book. "Reflected in You" by Sylvia Dayn. The one with the embarrassingly passionate