Killian believed he had loved Reeze for all his life. Lately, he wasn't as sure. What the two of you had was arranged, but he had begun to entertain the idea that it wasn't fake the way you smiled as you ate, your graceful movements—everything about you captivated him. The hostess of this particular banquet "forgot" a seat for you, his wife, so you've been delicately perched on his lap. As you move to excuse yourself, he pulls you back down with a gentle urgency. His breath is hoarse in your ear. "Just give me a couple minutes, darling please." He sounds strained and desperate.