WorldNovelChapter 342: At the ball, the classical music began to swell, its soft notes flowing through the grand hall like a rivers current.
As the lights shifted from a warm golden hue to a shimmering sparkle, many attendees found their feet tapping, instinctively moving to the rhythm.
Can you dance? Kellan asked, his tone casual yet curious.
I did learn a long tago, Allison replied with a playful smile.
But Im a little rusty now.
You might need to be patient with me, Mr.
Lloyd.
When she had been stranded on that deserted island, skills like dancing had seemed necessary only for the success of covert missions.
But now, here she was, at a ballher first texperiencing such an event in this lavish setting.
Allison lifted her gaze, taking in the splendor of the ballroom.
The skirts of the women twirled and fluttered like butterflies in mid-flight, their graceful arcs accentuating the champagne tower set on a floor gleaming with jade and agate.
It was a scene steeped in opulence, almost intoxicating in its extravagance.
No need to worry, Kellan responded slowly.
Im no expert myself.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWell keep things simple.
Youre not concerned III make a fool of you? Allison teased, her eyes gleaming mischievously.
It doesnt matter.
If we end up making fools of ourselves, well do it together.
Kellan extended his hand toward her, forgoing the clichéd III lead you remark.
To him, a ball was an event to be enjoyed, not a stage for perfection.
And in his view, Allison wasnt the type to surrender easily, nor did she need someone holding her hand at every step.
May I have the pleasure of this dance? Kellans voice was smooth, deep, and inviting.
Allison placed her hand on his shoulder, her lips curving into a small smile.
Yes.
After all, she had been invited to this ball.
It was only fitting to enjoy it.
Still, there was something peculiar.
Since the ball had begun, Allison hadnt spotted Floyd or Gordon anywhere.
On the upside, that meant fewer issues to handle, and for now, she could relax a little, sharing idle conversation with Kellan as the minutes ticked by.
Mr.
Lloyd, have you seen Floyd and Gordon? Her words, however, hung unanswered in the air.
Ms.
Clarke, Kellans voice was teasing yet firm, if youre dancing with me, its bad form to be thinking about other men. Kellans dark eyes held an obscure significance.
His broad shoulders and narrow waist, accentuated by a well-tailored suit, exuded a sense of nobility.
One of his hands was firmly placed around Allisons waist.
The music is about to change.
Before Allison could respond, his hand pressed slightly harder against her waist.
The flickering lights dimmed and brightened intermittently.
The classical music intertwined with modern pop, accelerating the tempo as they blended.
Allison instinctively stepped back, but Kellans strong palm kept her steady, guiding her firmly.
Its too fast, she confessed, finding the sudden tempo change disorienting.
But Kellan held her hand tightly, anchoring her.
A few hours ago, you didnt seem to mind the pace, he murmured, his voice so low that it sent shivers down her spine.
Whats changed now? His warm breath brushed against her ear, causing an involuntary tremble.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmIt was clear Kellan was doing this on purpose.
Allison, unfazed, retaliated by pinching the skin at his waist.
Mr.
Lloyd, she said in a measured tone, theres no need for a man to rush.
Her eyes locked onto his, neither one backing down.
It was a challenge each coolly waiting for the other to falter first.
Even under the teasing pinch, Kellans expression remained unreadable.
His lips, however, curled into a lazy, confident smile, one that hinted at a deeper, unspoken desire to dominate the moment. Ms.
Clarke, shall we see who can hold out longer? he asked, his voice brimming with an easy confidence.
Why not? In truth, neither of them had defined what exactly they were competing over.
But in the shift from light banter to something more serious, both had quietly raised the stakes.
Kellans calloused fingers brushed against the soft silk of Allisons gown, steadying her.
Under the dim glow of the ballroom lights, their eyes met, and in tham fleeting gaze, something began to simmer.
Especially as Kellans hand, strong and unyielding, radiated warmth that seemed to seep through her skin, making it feel like retreating wasnt an option, even if she wanted to.
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