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Luke’s eyes follow the couple across the room as they pause in the center of the dance floor alone, Cinderella and Prince Charming at the ball. The disdain on his face mirrors my own. “It doesn’t matter who Mia picks as long as it’s not Cilian,” he says, his tone firm. “And from the looks of it, I think we’re going to have to help her along in that regard. Maybe she doesn’t realize that he won’t take this seriously. He’s charming enough, and I wouldn’t put it past him to convince her of that. But he’s never going to settle down, never going to care enough for one woman to deserve Mia. I suspect he’s only doing this now because he doesn’t like to lose. He’s probably just in it for the W and thought he could have Mia without even trying. But after today, he realized it wasn’t going to be as easy as he thought it would. Not after he saw me coming home with Mia this afternoon.”
I cast a sharp glance in Luke’s direction, my curiosity piqued as to what he and Mia were up to. But I don’t ask. Instead, I give a curt nod of agreement, trying to ignore the slight grin that curves the edge of his lips, alerting me to the fact that it must have been a very good day. “And if we can agree on anything, it’s that Mia and her child deserve the world.”
Luke nods, his expression growing serious once again.
We stand there, united in our silent disapproval, our eyes fixed on Cilian as the first notes of a slow, enchanting melody fill the ballroom and he takes Mia in a proper ballroom hold. The music swells, the atmosphere charged with tension as Mia and Cilian start to circle the dance floor. Their movements are graceful, Mia’s posture elegant as she follows Cilian in a flawless waltz. Even I have to admit they look striking together.
If I didn’t know better, I could almost believe it was planned, Mia in her emerald-green dress and Cilian in his crimson velvet blazer. They’re like Christmas in a cup as they twirl around the dance floor. The song comes to a close, and the room applauds heartily, celebrating the beautiful waltz.
Then the next tune begins, and other couples join them on the floor as Cilian takes his second dance.
“You think we should do something?” Luke suggests, his gaze never leaving the Irish playboy.
I glance at him, surprised by the rare alignment of our thoughts. “Normally, I’m of the opinion that I should butt out and let things take their natural course. Mia’s smart and can make up her own mind. But in this? Yeah, we should. We can’t let Cilian ruin her life. She doesn’t need that right now, when she’s already stressed. And we both know he’s perfectly capable of throwing a wrench in people’s best-laid plans.”
The number of married women he’s slept with and marriages he’s broken up is enough to confirm that fact. He gets something in his sights, and he goes for it. No matter the consequences.
Only this time, I suspect he doesn’t realize just how big those consequences might be. When I spoke to Mia yesterday, she still hadn’t told Cilian about the baby. And I suspect that’s because, deep down, she knows the same thing Luke and I do. Cilian is not ready to be a father.
Luke and I move farther from the dance floor, finding a quiet corner where we can strategize away from prying ears.
“We should wait until Cilian’s dances are over,” he says, leaning in to keep our conversation private. “Otherwise, it’ll be too obvious—and would likely gain Mia’s disapproval—if we cut in before she’s fulfilled her obligations for the silent auction. But after that, we make our move. She won’t be stuck with him for a minute longer than necessary.”
I nod in agreement, impressed by the rare display of cooperation between us—considering we’re both vying for the same girl’s affections. But I think we can both agree that Mia’s heart is what’s most important to protect here—and her unborn child.
And if that means collaborating with the enemy to ensure Cilian doesn’t win, so be it.
Time to play a little dirty.
20
MIA
The grand ballroom is bathed in the soft glow of a thousand twinkling lights, the air alive with the hum of anticipation. The Christmas Eve ball is a spectacle of opulence, a dazzling display of gilded decorations and elegantly dressed guests.
Cilian and I stand at the center of the dance floor, my heart fluttering with a mixture of excitement and nerves as the song fades into silence. He’s a phenomenal dancer, his movements fluid, his ability to lead masterful.
The anxiety over making a fool of myself faded quickly after I realized he knows exactly what he’s doing and how to make me look good. I feel safe and steady in his arms. Even when I feel utterly lost.
We stand motionless, our bodies pressed together in hold as we wait for the next song to begin, and his green eyes peer deep into mine. It feels like we’re the only two people in the opulent room, surrounded by a fairy tale.
As the music swells around us, he steps forward, leading me in the next dance, and we move in time with the enchanting new melody. Amid the bodies and the swaying skirts of the other dancers, I feel a sense of freedom, as though I’m floating through a dream.
A playful smirk tugs at the corner of my lips as I follow him willingly, this time relaxing enough that I can think about more than where I need to put my feet. “You really went all out for this dance, didn’t you?” I tease. “You could have bought a decent sports car with the money you bid on me.”
He chuckles as he sweeps me across the floor, his movements smooth, his hold firm yet gentle. He leads with a confidence that comes from knowing he’s earned this moment. “I t’ink my bid went to a better cause. I have enough sports cars as it is. Besides, yer worth every penny,” he says with a wink. “And yer a hard person to get time with otherwise, Mia Florence. I don’t mind shellin’ out some money ta be in yer company fer a little while.”
His words catch me off guard, and I can’t help but laugh. “Well, I appreciate the effort. But aren’t you worried about buyer’s remorse? I’d have thought after our conversation last night that you would know better. I make a terrible dance partner.”
He spins me gracefully, his eyes never leaving mine. “Not from where I stand,” he murmurs, pulling me close.
My breath catches in my lungs at the way he looks at me, the heat in his eyes making my stomach quiver.
“Some t’ings are worth the price, and dancing with ye is one of ’em.”
Flattered by his compliment, I can’t help but smile, warmth pooling in my cheeks. His playful energy is infectious, and I find myself drawn in by his easy flirtation. As we dance, I can’t help but steal glances at his face, trying to read the emotions behind his charming façade. It’s a strange feeling, being auctioned off for a dance, but in this moment with Cilian, it feels oddly magical.
The dancing continues with a new song, and he guides me into a graceful twirl, his hands telling me exactly what he wants, his arms steadying me before I have a chance to lose my balance. Then he pulls me close once again.
