Chapter 55. The Torture Between Us

Author’s POV

The orchestra swells, the first haunting notes of Black Swan curling through the ballroom like smoke. Hermes doesn’t hesitate—he draws June close, one hand firm at her waist, the other capturing her smaller hand in his.

“Follow my lead,” he murmurs, his voice low enough that only she can hear.

June nods, too tightly wound to speak.

He leads, guiding her through the slow step, step, glide, but she struggles to keep her attention on her footing, because his gray eyes are a trap, luring her in even when she forces herself to look away. Worse, the shirt gaping at his chest—just enough silver skin, just enough to imagine what lies beneath—snags her gaze every time she blinks.

Just then she makes a mistake, as her heel stumbles.

Hermes pulls her closer instantly, correcting the step. The punishment is subtle but sharp.

The music does not stop, but everything else does. Time itself dilates, and the chatter of the crowd fades int