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“Maybe I want you to,” she whispers before taking a step away from me.

There’s an air of confidence about her tonight—but I can see right through the act. It’s the same act she puts on upon that torturous stage at DL.

My teeth grind together. Hard. Her wicked smirk is doing nothing to aid the urge to fuck her over this balcony exactly like I said.

The last of the guests file in down the stairs and settle into their seats as Camila quietly stands beside me, watching the event. Confidence is painted on her face, but I can see the way her eyes search the room, looking for any bit of danger.

“You’re safe with me,” I promise, taking her hand and smoothing my thumb over her soft skin.

Jac makes his way up the stairs. He reaches his hand out towards Camila. Nervously—because I can see the very faint tremble in her movements—she places her palm in his. He brings her knuckles up to his mouth. This bastard is lucky there’s a room full of people with eyes on us, or I would be clocking him right in the face.

“You look beautiful, Camila,” he compliments, taking a quick peek at me.

I clench my fists at my sides, watching their interaction.

Bastard, bastard, bastard.

Camila’s hand drops to her left leg, playing with the hem of the skirt there. “Oh, thank you.” Her voice sounds unsure. I can’t blame her. He hasn’t given her the warmest impression of himself.

“Okay, that’s enough,” I cut in, grabbing her hand with my own and narrowing my eyes at Jac, who smirks and turns towards our tech guy, grabbing two microphones.

I circle my attention to Camila, who’s already attempting to back away.

“No.” I stop her by gripping her forearm and dragging her to stand with me at the front.

“Um, I don’t know if I—”

Jacques interrupts her by starting his speech. The crowd hushes to a murmur, then grows quiet.

“Ladies and gents, thank you for participating in our annual charity event. This year’s charity is New Horizons. It’s a charity based in South London, helping children living in orphanages…”

My focus is fixed on Camila. She’s gripping the edge of her skirt, her eyes ping-ponging all over.

I tangle my fingers with hers, giving her hand a light squeeze. She whirls her head to me, and her expression relaxes as I smile down at her. She’s here. Beside me. And she’s real.

“As you know, orphanages are not as common anymore, so they are running out of money to supply children with everything they need—" Jacques’ voice trails off as unwanted memories make their way to the forefront of my mind.

My body becomes rigid as he talks.

Camila’s hand squeezes mine. She looks up at me and gives me a reassuring smile—those viridian eyes shining in the spotlight—and suddenly, the demons fall asleep.

The guests burst into applause, pulling us out of our moment. She turns, hands clapping together as she smiles at both of us.

All I’m hoping for in my head right now is that the band remembers to kick the gala off with Stand By Me like I asked them to.

And they do. As the bass of the guitar starts the iconic tune, Camila’s lips part on a surprised gasp. A slow smile spreads over my face as I offer her my hand. She places hers in mine, and I guide us down the stairs onto the dance floor. Her heels step on each stair gracefully—almost practiced. But it’s not. These movements come naturally to her; she’s letting the music guide her.

Twirling her around as we weave our way through other guests, deeper onto the dance floor, the green shimmer of her flowing dress glitters in the violet lights.

I pull her into me as we begin to glide our way across the dance floor to the instrumental sound of the song. Each step feels like it’s been hardwired into both of us, like we both know the steps, that they were meant for us. Her gaze clings to mine as I move her into a series of twists, turns, and dips. Her chest moves rapidly, her skin glowing.

“Did you plan this?” she breathes.

“If you’re asking about the dance, no. The song? Yes.”

I hold onto her waist, dipping her as her spine arches. Her head whips leisurely before I pull her back upright.

“How did you know about the song?”