Page 45 of Knot Happening

The voice comes from beside me, deep and rich with just a hint of amusement. I turn to find a man in an impeccably tailored black tuxedo, his mask a work of art in black leather and silver accents. It covers the upper half of his face completely, but I can see his strong jawline and the hint of a smile playing at his lips.

Then his scent hits me, it’s warm vanilla and spice, familiar and comforting in a way that makes my breath catch. Felix. I'd recognize that scent anywhere, even through the crowd of other competing fragrances in the ballroom.

"It's incredible," I admit, gesturing at the ballroom with my champagne flute. "I've never seen anything like it."

"First time at one of these?" he asks.

I'm wondering if he's going to continue pretending to be a stranger, or if he will confess that he knows it is me, and I can do the same with him.

"Is it that obvious?" I laugh. There's something about his presence that's both commanding and comforting.

"Not obvious," he says carefully. "But there's a wonder in your voice that suggests you're seeing this with fresh eyes. It's... refreshing."

"Are you a regular at these things then?" I ask.

"You could say that."

Before I can ask what he means, the orchestra begins a waltz, and couples start pairing off on the dance floor. I watch them move together in perfect synchronization, their gowns swirling like flower petals in a breeze.

"Felix," I say quietly, unable to keep pretending any longer.

His smile widens, and he inclines his head slightly. "Hello, Belle. You look absolutely stunning tonight."

"You're not going to pretend you don't know who I am?"

"Would you prefer that I did?" he asks, but there's warmth in his voice now, more genuine than the polite stranger act. "Though I have to say, that dress is quite the transformation from what you wear at the library.”

I feel heat rise in my cheeks. "Is that your way of saying I usually look terrible?"

"That's my way of saying you usually hide how beautiful you are," he says, and the sincerity in his voice makes my breath catch. "But tonight you're not hiding at all."

The music swells around us, and he extends his hand with old-fashioned gallantry.

"Would you care to dance?" Felix asks, extending his hand toward me.

I hesitate, glancing around the room one more time for any sign of Adam. But he's nowhere to be seen, and Felix seems kind enough. Besides, isn't this what the ball is for? Meeting new people, having new experiences?

"I should probably warn you that I'm not very good at waltzing," I say as I place my hand in his.

"Then you're in luck," he replies, leading me toward the dance floor. "I happen to be excellent at it."

His hand is warm and strong as it closes around mine, and when he places his other hand at my waist, I feel a littlejolt of electricity. Not the overwhelming, omega-heat reaction I had with Theo, but an attraction that makes me suddenly very conscious of how close we are.

"Just follow my lead," he murmurs as we take our position among the other dancers.

The music swells, and he begins to move, guiding me into the rhythm of the waltz. He wasn't lying about being excellent at it, and he moves with the confidence of someone who's been dancing since childhood, leading me so smoothly that even my inexperience can't trip us up.

"See?" he says after we've completed our first turn around the floor. "You're a natural."

I laugh, feeling more graceful than I ever have in my life. "I think you're just a very good teacher."

"Perhaps. Or perhaps you're simply allowing yourself to trust."

"So," I say as we navigate around another couple, "how's the library extension planning going? I know you've been working on the blueprints."

Felix laughs, and I can hear genuine amusement in his voice. "Does she ever stop? Even at a masquerade ball, Belle Hartwell is thinking about the library."

"Hey!" I protest, though I'm smiling.

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