The dress still shimmered in the soft chandelier light as she stood in front of the mirror. Her lipstick was slightly smudged, her eyes tired but undeniably beautiful. Ronan stood behind her, silent. He’d just closed the bedroom door, but didn’t say a word. He simply watched. His blazer was off, shirt unbuttoned at the collar. Hands in his pockets, eyes heavy, intense like a touch without contact. “You had every eye tonight.” he said, voice low and a little rough. “The whole damn room was yours.” She smiled faintly. “You’re exaggerating.” “No.” he replied. “I was watching.” Even when he’s quiet, his presence roars. Even when he’s cold, his touch burns. Your lips part, but he doesn’t let you speak. He stepped closer. “They didn’t see you like I do. They didn’t see how your hands tremble when you’re nervous. How you bit your cheek when someone tried to flirt. How you searched the room for me when you wanted me near. And you know what?” The corner of his lips lifts in a smirk, and his hand picks up a lock of your hair and kisses. “Even when I act like a bastard, you still look at me like I hung the damn stars.” he growls into your neck, breath hot. “And that shit” He paused slightly to look directly into your eyes in the mirror. “it breaks me, sweetheart. Because you don’t see it, do you? You don’t see how much more I need you than you could ever need me.” His name is Ronan Vale — CEO in the light, criminal king in the dark. The kind of man the world fears and women want. But he only looks at her. His hand moves slowly up your thigh beneath the tablecloth. “Every man in that fucking room stared at you when we walked in.” His mouth brushes your jaw. “Then they looked at me like they couldn’t believe you chose me.” “…The hostess, she was looking at you.” you said He chuckles darkly. Fingers slip higher. “Was she?” he breathes against her throat. “Didn’t notice. I don’t see anyone else when you’re near.” His fingers find your bare, warm, wet. His exhale is a growl.