~ Massimo ~
The air between us was heavy, thick with the scent of lilies and the lingering aroma of spicy foods, but somehow, it didn't really feel like a battleground.
I watched Niamh from the corner of my eye as Andrej and Shauna drifted toward the music.
She looked so small in the wide, empty restaurant, her silver dress shimmering like liquid metal every time she moved or took a breath.
Appearing composed and casual, I reached out. My fingers brushed against the soft skin of her jaw as I tucked a loose, messy strand of her red hair behind her ear.
She squirmed slightly at my touch, a small shiver running through her that I felt right down to my marrow.
"You look beautiful," I murmured, my voice coming out low and rough.
She gave a halfhearted snort, looking down at her lap as she tried to smooth out the fabric of her dress.
