Chapter 1

The smallest hint of a lopsided smile played on the corner of Noah’s mouth as he nodded slowly. “It’s been a while, but yes, I remember. I think the last time was on our honeymoon.”

The words surprised me; a little huff escaped my lips. My mouth curved upward as a distant memory stirred. “You really remember that?”

“Of course I do,” Noah’s voice was low, almost inaudible. “I pinky promised to… to always love you.”

My breath caught. My eyes met his; a fluttery, hopeful feeling surged through me, like falling in love anew. “Noah…”

The moment shattered. A shadow flickered across his face; his eyes grew distant, shuttered, as if remembering something painful. His hand left mine as he straightened, smoothing his jacket.

“But you broke that promise,” I blurted out.

Noah’s jaw clenched, the muscle beneath his skin twitching furiously as he stared at me. I saw the anger, the frustration simmering beneath the surface.

There it is, I thought, the man beneath the mask. I felt a pang of guilt for goading him. I liked this gentlemanly version; perhaps I'd been too harsh.

As suddenly as the storm began, it passed. His expression became carefully blank. He turned and walked back toward the main event space, leaving me to follow uncertainly.

The dull roar of conversation and soft music washed over us as Noah led me to the edge of the dance floor. I opened my mouth to speak, but he turned, sweeping me into his arms.

“Noah, what—?”

“Just dance with me,” he said curtly, his palm resting against my back as he guided me into a slow waltz.

I fell into step beside him, moving in silence for what felt like an eternity before speaking again.

“What’s your angle tonight?” The question escaped before I could stop it, my eyes searching his impassive face for any clue to his thoughts.

“What do you mean?” He shrugged. “I’m being… a perfect gentleman.” Despite you egging him on, I thought, before continuing. “So unlike you.”

A muscle twitched above Noah’s eye, but his gaze remained fixed over my shoulder, refusing to meet mine.

“I don’t have an angle,” he said, his tone perfectly measured.

I scoffed, the sound sharp and disbelieving. “You’re going to tell me you don’t want something from me? That this whole…” I gestured vaguely at his pristine tuxedo and the lavish event, “…thing isn’t to get something you want? Just like the diamond necklace?”

His piercing green eyes flickered toward me, meeting my gaze for a fraction of a second before darting away. But in that instant, I thought I saw something raw, unguarded. Almost like regret.

Just when I expected him to dismiss me, Noah moved with unexpected purpose, making me gasp. One moment I was swaying to the music, the next, his hands cupped my face, tilting my chin up. His lips met mine for the first time in… forever.