Page 79 of Desperate People

And for the first time since this all began—I see it.

The beginning of a fall.

Hers.

Right into me.

And damn, but it feels fine.

Chapter Sixteen-Lucy

The tent glows like a lantern beneath the twilight sky, strung with tiny white lights that twinkle like fireflies.

Summer air brushes against my shoulders, warm and soft, filled with the scent of roses, champagne, and the distant brine of the Long Island Sound.

I'm not sure how many glasses I've had—three, maybe four? Or was it five?

Whatever the count, the world spins a little whenever I blink too long.

Everything feels too bright, too loud, too beautiful.

But I feel him.

Balor.

My husband.

The sparkling blue diamond on my finger catches the overhead lights as I lift my hand.

It’s exquisite—princess cut, set in platinum, just the right size to catch the eye without screaming wealth.

Understated. Elegant.

Perfect.

Because he knew. Somehow, he just knew what I’d want. Like he’s been paying attention to me for far longer than I realized.

“Whoa, easy, Diamond Girl,” Balor murmurs, steadying me with his strong hands.

I sway a little in my heels, my legs unsteady beneath the satin and tulle of my gown.

His palm slides around my waist like it belongs there.

Like I belong to him.

Maybe I do.

I loop my arms around his neck, ignoring the swell of laughter from our guests behind us.

The Volkov Clan is here in full force—boisterous, rowdy, impossible to ignore.

There’s love in their chaos, in their teasing and shouting and plates of food. They’re my blood.

But Balor?

He only has Connor.

That realization hits me like cold water to the face.

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