Chapter 92

Nora POV

I stay on the terrace for a long time, my body still buzzing from being so close to David. His words keep repeating in my head. The cool air doesn’t help cool the heat running through me. I press my hands against the railing, trying to slow my heartbeat. How does he still get to me like this? One short conversation, one moment where he almost touched me, and I’m coming apart. I left him for good reasons. I built this life with Vincent for stability, for Lucy, for control over my future. But right now, my nipples are hard against the silk of my dress, and part of me wants the dominance I walked away from.

I take a deep breath and go back inside. The ballroom is still full. If anything, it’s louder—more champagne, more laughter. Vincent sees me right away. He watches my face as he walks over with Lucy, who’s holding his hand and a half-eaten cookie.