Chapter 229

Vivian's gaze dropped to where her stiletto was crushing Julian's polished leather shoe. Heat flooded her cheeks as she jerked her foot away. "God, I'm such a klutz," she muttered through clenched teeth.

Julian's lips quirked as he adjusted his grip on her waist. "Should I be offended? My dance partner can't even keep her eyes on me."

That earned him another deliberate stomp from Vivian's designer heel. "Must you embarrass me?" she hissed, shooting a furtive glance toward Ethan. The last thing she needed was her ex-husband witnessing her awkwardness.

The music faded as the overhead lights dimmed. Julian abruptly released her, his voice carrying just enough to reach Ethan's group. "Since we're clearly incompatible, perhaps we should switch partners?"

Vivian's jaw dropped. Before she could protest, Julian was already bowing before Cassandra. "May I have this dance?"

Cassandra's cheeks pinked as she stared at the man who could be Ethan's twin. Her fingers fluttered nervously before accepting his hand. The entire bar seemed to hold its breath - two devastatingly handsome men, each with their own dangerous appeal.

Ethan's voice sliced through the tension. "An excellent suggestion." In three strides he stood before Vivian, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "Shall we?"

Every rational thought screamed refusal, yet her traitorous hand slid into his palm. The opening notes of a Viennese waltz filled the air.

Muscle memory took over. Vivian's spine straightened as Ethan's arm encircled her waist, their bodies moving in perfect synchronization despite years apart. To onlookers, they appeared the picture of elegance - two souls moving as one.

The intimate dance pressed them closer than propriety allowed. Vivian's nose brushed against Ethan's collar, inhaling his signature bergamot scent. "How quickly you've moved on, Mr. Blackwood," she murmured. "That college girl can't be more than twenty."

The words tasted bitter even as she spoke them. What right did she have to question him now?

Ethan's hand tightened at the small of her back. "Would you prefer I spend my nights alone, pining for you?" His breath warmed her ear as they turned in perfect unison.

"Don't flatter yourself." Vivian forced a laugh that sounded hollow even to her. "I just hate seeing naive girls get hurt by men like you."

"Naive?" Ethan's chuckle vibrated through her. "Reminds me of someone four years ago." His fingers traced her spine through the thin silk of her dress. "Tell me, Vivian - are you jealous?"

The music crescendoed, masking her sharp intake of breath. Their bodies pressed flush together, heartbeat to heartbeat, as the final notes hung in the air between them.