Page 110 of Chandelier Enthralled
“Did someone say something?”
“No. I’ve already explained there are things going on in my life that are complicated.”
He was trying to protect me from what happened to his ex. That much was obvious. “Being a Cole doesn’t help, right?”
He gave a nod. “You’re beautiful in a way that scares people. Not me, obviously. You have a mind sharp enough to cut through anything. Your bloodline…it’s history, its power, it’s a profound legacy, it’s intimidating tomost.”
“But?”
“No buts. You’re the woman every man dreams of having, and anyone who gets to claim you will be…lucky.”
Oh, he knew exactly what he was doing, flirting in that effortlessly sensual way, pulling me closer with those devastating looks. His eyes, dark and inviting, left me wondering what it would feel like to truly be his.
“I know why you’re no longer with Hugo.”
That came out of nowhere, and I hated him for shifting this moment away from what we could be. “Why?”
“He knew you’re too good for him. A woman like you is reserved for future presidents. For men in positions of power. Men who own the world.”
“I just want love,” I whispered.
Stillness consumed the moment, my confession sending out a beacon showing my weakness, the kind of words never to be spoken out loud.
As though sensing my unease, he said, “What I love about being an architect is the way it feels weaving dreams into reality. Shaping spaces where people feel safe. Inspiring a balance between what nature offers and what humanity needs. Being part of a creation that invites in the light.”
The silence lingered, honoring his words, honoring the profoundness of who this man was.
Being in his presence felt remarkable.
“You’re very talented.”
“Thank you, Willa. I appreciate that.”
He possessed more than just talent, but saying it that way would seem pretentious, and that wasn’t who he was.
“I’ve been living in New York,” I said, “with no one watching over me. I’ve been fine.”
“Not even him?” He frowned, as though saying Hugo’s name was distasteful now.
“I took care of us both.”
“Did you feel safe?”
I swallowed hard, trying to fathom his words. “I mean, I felt like it was up to me to provide a level of safety.”
“Why you?”
“I had the resources.”
“And safe in other ways?”
“Not sure what you mean?”
“Willa, I’m not talking about financially, I’m referring to when you were intimate.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Your reaction tonight, you were wound up like a coil, like you didn’t know what it was to come that hard.”
