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“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, sir. Thank you for inviting me,” Connor says.

“The pleasure is ours.” My father winks at me. “Mary has been singing your praises ever since you came on board.”

I nearly choke on my champagne, cheeks flaming. Is that his attempt at matchmaking?

“She’s been an invaluable help. I appreciate her guidance more than I can say.” Connor gives me a subtle, heated look that makes my knees weak.

“I’ll be planning another celebration soon if you two hit it off,” my father says.

Mortified, I drain my glass.

Dad pats me on the back. “Easy there, pumpkin, no need to get so flustered. I’m only teasing.” But the gleam in his eyes tells me otherwise. He’s dead serious about his vision for my future, as he always has been. “I’ll let you two enjoy the party. So wonderful to have you here, Connor.” He gives Connor’s arm an affirming pat before disappearing into the crowd.

“Dance with me?” Connor asks.

“Sure.”

He takes my glass, sets it on a passing tray, and guides me to the dance floor. We sway to the music, our bodies moving in a slow rhythm. Connor’s hand rests on the small of my back, his touch searing even through the fabric of my dress. I lift my gazeto find his eyes burning into mine, dark with an emotion I dare not name.

“Your father seems rather eager to see us together.”

I glance away. “Sorry about that. He gets these crazy notions in his head.”

“Does the idea of marrying me seem so crazy?”

Is he serious? “I-I don’t know. We’ve barely started dating, like officially.”

“You’re right. It’s too soon to be thinking of that.” His lips brush my ear. “But know this—I intend to keep you. However long it takes.”

My knees go weak at his possessive tone. His arm tightens around my waist, supporting me. We continue to sway, pressed close.

“Promise me something.” His breath is hot against my skin. “Don’t ever marry someone your family chooses. Only give yourself to a man you want with every fiber of your being.” His eyes blaze into mine. “A man like me.”

My mouth goes dry. Is that what I want? Him?

I force a teasing tone to break the tension. “Careful, I might start to think you’re actually proposing.”

“Not yet. But I won’t wait forever either.” His thumb caresses my jaw. “You’re mine, Mary. I claimed you that first night, and I have no intention of letting you go.”

My father’s meddling may have opened a door I’m not ready to walk through. Not yet, at least.

Though the way Connor is looking at me promises he’ll be knocking soon enough.

“Do I make you happy, Blue?”

We’re treading on dangerous ground here. “I…”

“Be honest with me.” His voice drops lower. “Would being with me make you happy?”

I meet his intense gaze, pulse racing. How do I answer him truthfully without revealing too much?

“Connor, I…”

His fingers brush my cheek. “It’s just me here. No one else. Tell me how you feel.”

“Yes, you do. But…”

“But what?”

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