Page 48 of Knot Happening

FELIX

The way Belle lights up when she talks about chocolate is absolutely mesmerizing. I've spent my entire adult life focused on work: blueprints, building codes, structural integrity, profit margins. Fun has never been part of my vocabulary. But watching Belle get genuinely excited about chocolate, and library programs makes me want to learn a whole new language.

Her scent has been driving me crazy all evening. Even through the crowd of competing fragrances in the ballroom, I can pick out her unique blend of vanilla and honey. I wonder if she's not suppressing as heavily as usual, and this is why her scent is intoxicating me in a way that makes me want to bury my face in her neck and never come up for air.

When I spin her away from that aggressive alpha, I catch a full wave of her scent and have to concentrate on not letting my own response show. The protective instinct that flares when he snarls at her is immediate and intense, but I force myself to handle it diplomatically. Though honestly, part of me wanted to show him exactly what happens to alphas who threaten what's mine.

"I can't believe we're discussing pastries while waltzing in a palace," I say, trying to regain the lighter mood we'd established.

"I can't believe you brought up the library first and then acted surprised when I wanted to talk about it," she counters, and her smile is so genuine it makes something tight in my chest loosen.

God, when was the last time I smiled like this? When was the last time I talked about anything that wasn't work related? Belle makes me want to throw my whole schedule out the window and just exist in the moment.

"Fair point," I concede. "Though in my defense, watching you light up when you talk about things you love is quite something."

The compliment makes color rise in her cheeks, and she looks up at me with an expression that's part shy, part pleased. Behind her rose gold mask, her eyes are bright with happiness, and I find myself wanting to do whatever it takes to keep that look on her face.

"You're not so bad yourself, Romano," she says softly. "Even if you do tease me about my chocolate obsession."

"Who's teasing? I think I might have to revise my dessert preferences after this conversation."

As the waltz comes to an end, I make a decision that's been building since she started talking about chocolate fountains and macarons. For once in my life, I want to do something just because it sounds fun.

"Speaking of dessert preferences," I say, keeping her hand in mine as the music fades, "would you like to go investigate that dessert table you've been fantasizing about?"

Her face absolutely lights up. "Really? We can do that?"

"Belle, this is a ball designed for pleasure and indulgence. Of course we can sample the desserts." The words feel foreign coming out of my mouth, but right. Like I'm remembering how to be spontaneous.

"And maybe we could see the library too?" she adds hopefully. "I heard they have an incredible collection here, and I've always wondered what a palace library looks like."

The fact that she's thinking about libraries even at a magical ball is so perfectly Belle that I can't help but grin. "I think that can be arranged. I happen to know my way around this place."

"So, you've visited it before? I knew it! Is the library as interesting as I imagine it to be?"

I shrug. "I don't know. I've never ventured inside it."

"Never?!"

"No, never," I admit. "Honestly, I've never really been interested in libraries, until I heard you talk about books. My thing has always been blueprints and designs."

"Ah, but you studied and read to be the great architect you are today."

I nod in agreement. "But reading for pleasure is one thing and reading for your career is another."

"I don't see the difference. Both of them involve reading and both of them give you joy, so there isn't much difference."

She's such an interesting soul, so much so that she has left me speechless. Something no one ever does.

I offer her my arm, and she takes it with a smile that could power the entire palace. As we move through the crowd toward the elaborate dessert display, I'm hyperaware of every point of contact between us. Her hand on my arm burns through the fabric of my tuxedo, and her scent wraps around me like the most expensive silk.

But more than that, there's something about being with her that makes me feel lighter. Like I've been carrying weights I didn't even know were there, and now they're falling away.

The dessert table, is even more spectacular than she imagined. It's less a table and more an architectural marvel, which I can appreciate from a design perspective, a multitiered display that rises nearly six feet high, laden with every conceivable sweet confection. Chocolate éclairs glisten with perfect ganache, petit fours are arranged like tiny jeweled boxes, and yes, there's absolutely a chocolate fountain cascading dark chocolate in mesmerizing ribbons.

"Oh my god," Belle breathes, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's like something out of a fairy tale."

"The fairy tale where Hansel and Gretel find the candy house?" I suggest, and she laughs.

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