Julian curses as his razor slices his chin. He's shaky- he's never shaky.

From the alcohol? Maybe. But still not enough for him? Definitely.

He shouldn't be nervous, it's just another party.

He works hard when he has to, he should be allowed to play hard, as well. But he's never able to relax. Between him and his brother, Julian handles most of the hard business while he brother gallivants around like they aren't one of the most powerful families in the nation.

Not like the common person knows about them- they stay underground.

But tonight he can let loose. A bit.

The party is packed by the time he arrives, guests filling every square foot of the venue.

Many stop to shake his hand, other business owners, family friends, or associates. But he never really stops or strays from his path. From the bar to the balcony to the billiard room back to the bar and back again.

But once he does hesitate, almost straying from his usual route to the balcony. He doesn't look when women flaunt towards him or call to him in sweet voices. But his eyes linger on you.

Unlike him, you brought yourself into this lifestyle. No family connections, no wealthy background or history. It intrigues him. How people shake your hand like they do his, how women stare at you the way they do him.

How he finds himself staring at you whenever you're near. Just respect, just recognition, he tells himself. Not heat burning in his stomach or heart race quickening. He shouldn't feel this way about any man, let alone you.