The music still hummed faintly through the ballroom when the organisers finally drew Ryan away.
It happened gently at first, one man in a tailored suit stepping close, murmuring something into Ryan’s ear with the polite urgency reserved for men of power. Ryan’s hand was still warm around Eve’s as the man spoke, his thumb unconsciously tracing one last, slow stroke against her skin as if reluctant to let go.
He glanced back at Eve immediately, as if even the suggestion of distance required her approval.
“I won’t be long,” he murmured, bringing her hand to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.
Eve smiled, the small, private one she reserved only for him. “Take your time.”
He hesitated, his gaze lingering on her face, on the soft flush on her cheeks, the slight shine in her
