Page 16 of Forbidden Passion

Immediately, he relaxed his hold, but he didn’t let go. Instead, she followed his lead, amazed at how beautifully he moved about the dance floor. “I had no idea you danced so well.”

“Because you have never given me a chance to show you.”

Ciara’s stubborn chin went up a notch. “You never asked before,” she countered.

There was a long silence and she looked to her right, but she didn’t notice the other dancers. She was starting to realize that she didn’t notice much of anything when Falk was close by.

“I didn’t ask because I knew you’d say no.”

If Ciara had a little space so that she could think, she might have rolled her eyes. As it was, she could barely concentrate on the dance steps. If it weren’t for his strong arms guiding her, she would make a fool of herself.

“I doubt that you even know how to ask, Falk,” she finally retorted.

He muttered something under his breath but, thankfully, in that same moment, the music faded away. She stepped away from him and did a small tilt of her head in acknowledgement of his expertise, then turned and walked away. She wasn’t sure if he followed, as was the custom. All she knew was that she needed space. She needed to get her head back on straight so that she could finish the night without embarrassing herself or her brother. Or Maggie, for that matter. Maggie deserved better than to have her first public event usurped by a moment that would end up in the gossip magazines in the morning.

“We need to talk,” Falk hissed into her ear.

She started, not realizing that he was still so close.

Ciara stopped, nodding to another group of guests before she turned, tilting her head back to look directly into Falk’s eyes. “I would very much appreciate it if you could not make a scene tonight. This is Maggie’s first public appearance.”

Falk looked around and obviously caught sight of Maggie and Ciara’s brother. Ramit hadn’t left Maggie’s side all evening, protecting her from the catty comments of some of the guests, orthe snide, judgy glances coming from some of the more jealous women who had hoped to claim Ramit for their own.

“You’re right,” he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Will you come with me so that we can talk?”

She shuffled her feet, wishing that she had chosen more comfortable shoes. She’d anticipated sneaking out early, so her choice of footwear hadn’t been high on her priority list.

“I can’t leave the gala tonight,” she told him firmly.

“Fine. Tell me where your room is and I’ll speak with you after the guests have left. Zayed and I are staying for a few more days.”

She laughed, already shaking her head. “No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Falk stepped closer, towering over her now. She could smell the spicy scent of his cologne as well as the scent that was uniquely his own. He smelled…delicious! Was there even a hint of peppermint? How was that possible? She loved peppermint. She’d first discovered the scent when she’d been a child and had always associated the smell of peppermint with excitement and good feelings.

Too bad that memory was tarnished now, she thought with resentment.

“I think it would be a great idea,” he replied, his voice husky.

She knew exactly where his mind had gone and stepped back. “Falk, this can’t happen.”

Falk moved closer and she gasped, leaning back as far as possible. “It’s going to happen, Ciara. We need to talk. If you don’t choose the place, then I will.”

And then he pulled away from her, giving her some breathing space.

“Everything okay?” Zayed asked, moving closer to stand next to Ciara.

“Fine,” she replied, trying to calm her racing heart. “Everything is fine, isn’t it, Falk?”

He glared at her. “Find a place,” he reiterated, then turned and walked away.

Ciara watched, trying to figure out how to escape from the upcoming confrontation. But why should she? Why not just tell the jerk that it had been fun, but she wasn’t the kind to endure a man who issued orders instead of polite requests?

With determination, she walked in the opposite direction, her mind spinning as she tried to think of a discreet way of getting the man alone. She’d completely ignored Zayed who had been standing next to her.

Smiling politely to several dignitaries, Ciara didn’t hesitate as she continued walking. She didn’t hesitate, not even when someone waved, trying to gain her attention. No, she wanted to just step out of the ballroom for a moment, to gather her wits and…and what?

She just needed a moment of privacy. That’s all.

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