in a heavy breath when my gaze met that of Alexander Wolfe.

sive than what I had expected-his intense steel-blue eye

single word tinged with amusement and shock

e-elegant, strong, composed, but instead I accidentally bumped into him. "Pull you

rip on my weakened, though his thumb made contact with the base of my back, a subtle and nearly intimate motion that

l, light tone. "Because it seem

"Indeed," I replied with a firm tone with greater determination

expression hidden behind his intense blue eyes. He said, "You appear in need

s meant to be the one leading him on, enticing him with my cunning, not the opposite. Howe

nt, unaltered. However, my heart's quick rhythm suggested otherwise. His smile grew wider, and he moved towards the bar with a casu

ree at first? I ought to be the one taking charge in this situation, no

rowd, his presence drawing attention. However, at this moment, he was completely concentrated on me.

asses of champagne without inquiring about my preference. Usually, I would have

as he passed me the glass. I paused, sensing the heaviness of his stare. This was the moment I had

s intense gaze. "I'm only here to enjoy the beautiful evening," I stated, putting on a wide sm

that I didn't appear to attend these events simply to 'have fun', he said, with a playful

osed, causing a chill to run down my back. "I'm not sure what you're tryin

hed an eyebrow, keeping his smile steady. "I believe you do," he calmly replied, his ton

fake name slipping out easily. I had intended to use that name if needed, but now it

ure to meet you." I gave a fake smile, but my thoughts were racing. Concentrate, I told myself. I couldn't allow him to gain the advantage. I w

ity that it caught my breath. I felt my heart beating rapidly in my chest. I sensed the walls drawing near, t

y felt. "I am only present to savor the champagne." Although Alexander still smiled, his eyes revealed a contrasting narrative. I sensed he was

the laughter and clinking glasses in the room. His voice, his aura, ev

ampagne in his glass while his gaze remained fixed on me. "Majority of the individuals present in

inclined towards me, lowering his voice enough to be heard only by me. "It all depends on how you present yourself." "Yo

didn't understand my true intentions for being here, but his

arkled with amusement. Observing people, eh? What have you noticed about me? I paused a bit, unsure of how much to disclose. However, he was

one eyebrow, curious. "What is your opinion on that?" I paused to breathe, carefully selecting my words.

could say the same comments regarding you, Lana," he responded smoothly, but his tone now had a hint of sh

tain intensity in his look prevented me from moving, causing me to remain in place, feeling the tension that lin

were attempting to unravel a mystery. His intense gaze ca

ed with his smirk coming back, while seconds passe

to keep things engaging. Our dialogue fluctuated, transitioning from casual cha

k me by surprise. However, underneath the display of confidence, I felt a deeper emotion-a subtle feeling of being l

g the conversation back towards me. "Lana

of my real intentions, could destroy all of my plans. "I guess I simply desire to live life according to my ow

ned, his smile faltering for just a split

his voice dropping to a whisper. "But don't think for a secon