Page 92 of Choosing Stella

“I don’t dance while I’m working.”

“That sounded suspiciously like a rule you invented three seconds ago.”

“It’s a good rule.”

“Geo.”

I took her hand.

The smile she gave me was worth the disadvantage.

We stayed near the edge of the dance floor, close to the route we’d chosen before entering. I rested one hand at Stella’s waist while she stepped nearer.

“You look deeply uncomfortable.”

“I’m looking over your shoulder.”

“You’re supposed to look at me occasionally.”

“That’s more dangerous.”

Her mouth curved.

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

I pulled her closer for half a second.

Stella’s eyes softened.

Then two security employees near one of the ballroom entrances stopped talking. One touched his earpiece. The other turned sharply toward the casino floor.

I stopped.

Stella felt it immediately.

“What?”

“I don’t know yet.”

A security supervisor came toward us faster than the situation around him justified.

“Mr. DiNero.”

I shifted Stella behind my right shoulder without letting go of her.

“What happened?”

“We have a report of an armed male inside the event perimeter. He may be connected to the threat against Ms. Moon.”

Stella’s fingers closed around the back of my jacket.

“Where?” I asked.

“East entrance. He’s moving this direction.”

Guests were still dancing. Most hadn’t noticed anything.