Page 113 of The Misfit

The ballroom has filled while we lingered in our quiet corner. Faces turn as we enter—some curious, some judgmental, some carefully blank. Lee’s presence beside me makes it manageable. His steady warmth keeps me grounded as we navigate the crowd.

“Drink?” he asks softly, leading me toward the bar. “They have those sealed waters you like. Or we can go with something stronger if you prefer.”

“Water is fine.”

He signals the bartender, who produces a sealed bottle immediately. Lee checks the seal himself before handing it to me, and my heart clenches at the familiar gesture.

This version of Lee—attentive, careful, sober—makes it hard to remember why I’ve kept my distance. And even harder to remember the hurt and confusion of the recent weeks.

“Better?” he asks as I take a sip.

I nod, unable to trust my voice or the words that might spill out. There’s no way to tell him that everything is better with him beside me. That the world makes more sense when he’s present. That anything is possible when he looks at me like I matter.

Stop.I can’t let myself believe in possibilities anymore.

Lee stays close as more guests arrive, his body angled in a way that shields me from the crowd. It’s so familiar—this dance we do, the way he creates space around me without making it obvious. The way he smoothly intercepts anyone who might get too close. The way he makes everything manageable.

“You’re doing great,” he murmurs after we survive another round of introductions. His hand rests lightly on my back, warm through silk. “We’ve got a few more official greetings, then we can find a quieter spot.”

Maybe Noah is right. I shouldn’t have come. Especially now that I’m here and I’m finding that I hate myself a little more with each second that passes. Why did it have to be this way? I wish his touch didn’t calm me, that it didn’t feel like we were a perfect fit for each other, and more than that, I wish I didn’t miss this version of him so much.

Katherine appears, Charlotte in tow, both women gleaming with society perfection. I’m certain their appearance will drag Lee away, but he remains at my side. He doesn’t so much as glance in Charlotte’s direction. The warmth of his hand bleeds through the fabric of my dress, the touch burning into my flesh.

Lee grounds me, keeping me sane in the crowd. But the longer we’re here, I find it’s not as bad as last time. Not completely manageable, but definitely not as bad.

“Salem, darling,” Katherine greets, her voice dripping honey-coated poison. “That dress is surprisingly appropriate. Lee must have had excellent guidance in choosing it.”

“I chose it myself, Mother,” Lee cuts in smoothly. “I know exactly what suits Salem.”

The possessive edge that his voice carries makes my heart flutter. We’re walking a dangerous tightrope. Balancing on the edge of real and fake.

“How attentive of you.” Katherine’s smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “Charlotte, dear, didn’t you say you needed Lee’s opinion on something?”

It’s a ploy, and one that Lee doesn’t take. “Whatever it is, it can wait. Salem and I were heading up to the terrace for some air.”

“Oh, okay … well, hurry along. The speeches will start soon.”

Without giving them a backward glance, he guides me toward the stairs. Each step is precise and unhurried. Everything about him tonight speaks of control, of presence, of careful attention to my needs.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I say once we’re safely away from his mother’s sharp gaze. “I can handle her.”

“I know you can.” He turns to face me, and for a moment, I see something raw in his eyes. “You can handle anything. I just … I don’t want you to have to. Not tonight.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my throat tight. Because this ismyLee—the one who sees me, who understands me, who makes everything make sense.

But I can’t trust it.

Can’t trust him.

Can’t trust my own heart around him.

Even if every careful gesture, every protective movement, every gentle word makes me want to.

His eyes scan the crowd below, then he stops, going still. “Oh shit, I need to check something with Emma,“ Lee says, his hand sliding reluctantly from my back. “Will you be okay for a few minutes?” His eyes slide into the crowd like he’s looking for someone. Maybe his sister? Then back to me. What did he forget?

I manage a nod, hating how much I already miss his steady presence. “Of course. I’m fine.”

He studies me for a moment, like he’s memorizing my face. “I won’t be long. Stay up here where you’ll be safe from the gawkers.”

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