Chapter 2 The First Encounter with Nathaniel

The big ballroom was full of golden light, and crystal chandeliers hung above like stars in a velvet sky. People were talking softly and clinking champagne glasses, but Isabella felt far away from it all. Her mind was still spinning after her fight with Seraphina earlier. Every careful step she made seemed heavy with the weight of treachery. She stood by the big windows and looked out at the well-kept gardens below. the fingers delicately traced the edge of the glass.

The deep green colour of her gown's fabric sparkled in the light, yet it felt like a costume that covered up the tempest inside her. Isabella. The voice broke through the fog of her mind. She turned and saw Nathaniel Hawke, a man she didn't expect to see here. He seemed to fill the room without even trying. He was tall, well-dressed, and had an air of authority that made people pay attention. His dark, piercing eyes met hers, and his face was unreadable. Nathaniel murmured, I didn't expect to find you alone, and his lips curled into a small, funny smile. Isabella's stomach got tight. Mr. Hawke, I'm not alone at all. There are a lot of people here. Yes, but none of them seem to matter much to you, he said in a low voice that seemed almost deadly. Are you hiding from something? She stood up straight, her defences going up. I'm not hiding. Just... thinking. He raised an eyebrow and moved a little closer. Thinking, huh? What do you mean, if you don't mind my asking? Isabella didn't want to talk to him because he was a man with too many rumours about him. But she couldn't deny how much he drew her in, how he made even the simplest conversations feel more passionate. About things that don't concern you, she said, her voice a little rougher than she meant it to be. Nathaniel's smile grew bigger. Isabella, you might be surprised. Things can sometimes get to us, even if we don't want them to. The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. But before she could say anything, another guest came up to them and took Nathaniel's attention away. Isabella's eyes stayed on him for a little longer, and a spark of interest broke through her caution. The band started to play a slow, steady song, and couples started to dance. Isabella moved around in her seat, looking around the room. She had an odd, tingling feeling that something had changed between her and Nathaniel. You can dance? The question came from behind her, and his voice was warm and near. She turned to see Nathaniel standing there, his hand outstretched in an invitation. His eyes were dark and searching, but he wasn't pushing or forcing anything. It was an offeran interest, but not a demand. Isabella thought for a moment. I'm not here to have fun. Nathaniel remarked, I'm not asking you to entertain, and his voice was calm and assured. Just a dance. One dance. Just out of curiosity. Something in his words stirred her. She had never liked games before, but Nathaniel seemed different. Yes, it was dangerous, but in a manner that she couldn't deny it was interesting. She squinted at him, judging him. Mr. Hawke, you're a curious man. He grinned, the same cryptic smile that had grown so common. Miss Gallagher, curiosity can be dangerous. But it's also what makes life exciting. Isabella put her hand in his and felt the heat of his touch through her flesh. The touch was short, but it was enough to make her body feel a little bit more conscious. She couldn't help but note how easily he moved as he led her onto the dance floor. Each stride was planned and controlled. The music was slow and steady, and they fell into the rhythm of the dance, but there was a lot of tension between them. She stayed away from him, looking straight ahead, but she could feel him like a magnet pulling her in. Why do you feel so sure? she questioned, her voice barely audible above the music. Experience, he said, his voice deep and funny. And a strong desire to stay safe. She said, Must be nice, and looked at him out of the corner of her eye. She knew better than to trust someone like Nathaniel, who always buried his true intentions under layers of charm and mystery. He taunted, You should try it sometime, and a small smile formed on his lips. It's freeing. Isabella's heart skipped a beat. For a minute, she was lost in the way he looked at her and the tension that was between them. She had to tell herself that he was simply another player in a game she didn't want to play. But as they moved across the floor, the attraction she felt towards him only got greater. The music kept playing, but Isabella could hardly hear it since her mind was racing. Nathaniel was talking, but she wasn't paying attention. She was stuck between the fascination he sparked and the caution that kept her on edge. Nathaniel replied, You're a tough one, and he easily led her through the steps of the dance with his hand still holding hers. I can see it in your eyes. You don't let people in easy. Isabella turned her head and looked more closely. Why do you say that? Nathaniel replied, Not many people would have the strength to stand up to Seraphina the way you did. His tone was casual, but his words were cutting. Most people would fall apart under the weight of her power. Isabella stiffened, but she didn't move away. I'm not like most people. No, you're not. His eyes darted to hers, and for a minute, there was something almost weak in his look. You're better than that. Isabella's chest clenched, but she wouldn't let him know how his words made her feel. She looked him in the eye, her chin up in defiance. I don't need anyone to say that to me. True, Nathaniel remarked in a quiet voice. But hearing it once in a while doesn't hurt. She squinted. What are you really trying to say? Nathaniel grinned, but there was a hint of a challenge in his eyes. Nothing at all. Just checking how strong you are.