Page 110 of Heart of The Night

Nigel nodded, his gaze steady on William as he reached into his black jacket. ‘Proactivity is the cornerstone of effective management. However, we must also be sagacious in choosing our battles, wouldn’t you agree? It’s the unnecessary conflicts, after all, that tend to divert us from truly productive endeavours.’ He pulled out a white business card and extended it to William. ‘Perhaps it would be most beneficial for all parties to address the concerns raised through a more direct dialogue, away from the burden of formal proceedings.’

William accepted the card, his eyes briefly flicking down before meeting Nigel’s gaze again. ‘Open dialogue is always preferable,’ he said, ‘as long as it leads to substantive outcomes. It’s paramount that such discussions are rooted in genuine resolve to address the concerns raised.’

Nigel’s eyes held a glint of challenge, a subtle acknowledgement of William’s firm stance. ‘Indeed, Mr Night. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further, at your convenience. I hope we might facilitate a resolution that obviates the need for any further escalation.’

William pocketed the business card, his smile tight but polite. ‘Thank you, Mr Ashcombe. I’ll take that under advisement.’

Nigel gave a nod, his expression remaining composed. ‘Of course, Mr Night. I do appreciate your prudence, though I hope you’ll make the right decision. In our profession, the line between oversight and overreach can be quite thin – and the consequences of crossing it… unexpectedly severe.’ He held William’s gaze, his eyebrows creasing slightly.

William maintained eye contact, his expression unreadable. ‘Your caution is noted. Rest assured, my actions are always measured and in accordance with the law.’ His tone was steady, betraying no hint of the unease that Nigel’s words might have intended to stir.

Nigel’s eyes narrowed slightly. After a brief moment, he straightened up, offering a curt nod.

‘Very well, Mr Night. It’s been enlightening speaking with you. Enjoy the rest of your evening.’ With that, he turned crisply on his heel and walked away, blending into the crowd.

‘That was less than reassuring,’ I said, my chest tense with anxiety. ‘It was essentially a threat wrapped in the guise of civility.’

William chucked softly, his gaze lingering on the spot where Nigel had disappeared. ‘Well, if anything, he just revealed I’m onto something substantial. They’re clearly panicking.’

I bit my lip, the tension from Nigel’s words still palpable. ‘Do you think it’s safe to continue, Will? I’m worried you’re stirring up one hell of a hornet’s nest.’

William faced me, his gaze soft. ‘Cara, while there are risks, I’m on solid legal ground. As I said, Nigel’s remarks are just indicators that I’ve touched a nerve. I need to maintain this course.’ He took my hand, his grip firm and comforting. ‘I know it’s worrying, but I can’t let their intimidation tactics sway my path.’

‘All right,’ I said, though my anxiety lingered. ‘Just promise me you’ll be careful.’

He raised my hand to his mouth, kissing the back of it as he held my gaze. ‘I promise,’ he said, his eyes spilling with affection. As he lowered my hand, he looked sideways, his mouth bending in a smile. ‘Shall we dance?’ he asked.

I hesitated, my gaze drifting to the dance floor. It buzzed with energy, couples spinning and swaying to the lively beats, their movements a vibrant blur. A knot of intimidation tightened in my stomach. At least the dim lights offered some solace, masking any potential missteps in a forgiving shadow.

‘If you hate it, we’ll stop,’ William said, his tone patient and understanding. Meeting his gaze, I saw the anticipation there, the excitement he’d barely contained as he spoke of this moment over the past few days. I couldn’t bear to disappoint him.

‘Yeah, okay.’

His fingers clenched around mine and he pulled me to my feet, a bright grin lighting up his face. He led me onto the dance floor, where I tentatively positioned my left hand on his upper arm and raised my elbow, recalling the steps he had shown me during that magical night in his penthouse.

‘Good,’ he said, his eyes shining with pride as he stepped closer. His arm encircled me, hand resting gently on my shoulder blade. His action, though not intended to stir the waters of intimacy first and foremost, undeniably cast us deeper into that sea. Heat flushed my cheeks, and I stared at his chest, my heart thrumming a wild, uneven beat.

‘Honestly,’ I said, my brows knitting, ‘if I hadn’t done a twelve-week course with Livy back in college, there’s no way I would have set foot on this floor. It would have been a complete disaster.’

William stiffened briefly. ‘You did a twelve-week course with Livy?’

I looked up then, seeing his surprise in the curve of his brow. ‘Yes, but it wasn’t exactly ballroom. Not this type, anyhow. It was Cuban Salsa – Casino, as it’s called.’

His eyes glimmered with amusement. ‘Cuban Salsa? Really?’

‘Yes.’

He chuckled softly. ‘And I suppose you wore the trousers, then? Since you mentioned you struggle with following?’

‘Yes. It was my present to her for her eighteenth birthday.’

‘How sweet of you.’

I shrugged. ‘Yeah, she was quite happy with it.’

He tilted his head, studying me. ‘Your friendship is very amusing to me.’

I frowned, puzzled. ‘Why?’

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