My friend looked stunning in her elegantly understated black gown. Mind, I didn't look half bad myself. I wore a coffee-coloured gown with a corset bodice and raw silk skirt. I was going to have to pay off my credit card for the rest of my life after this. I was barefoot, partly because I couldn't find anything I liked, partly because I had no money/credit left, and partly because me being at this event was all the discomfort I wanted to face.

We were fashionably late - I am willing to admit that I can be a bit of a drama queen, if nothing else.

I could feel his eyes on me the moment I stepped through the entrance; well his among others. We moved to the closest open seats, a couple of tables away from his. I didn't dare look at him. After the speeches were done my friend went over to a table of aspiring novelists she met during the day.

I was still contemplating how to amuse myself when I became aware of citrus and mint.
"Care to dance?"
"No one else is."
"Since when are you scared of taking risks? Isn't your being here proof of that?"

I got up without looking at him, took his hand and lead him to the open area in front of the stage. The band was playing "The way you look tonight".

He was holding me closer than I thought was necessary, mostly because I was worried about my toes - I'm not the best dancer out there, and I was definitely not the best one in here.

"You look amazing," he said, leaning closer and breathing my scent in. "And you smell delicious!"
"Does that line usually yield any positive results?" Yes! I was back on form. No man was going to get the better of me.
He stepped back to look at me and was met with a seductive look and a playful smile. He pulled me closer than before, and it was like nothing and no one existed outside this combined aura of lust, doubt and power.
"You are wicked."
"Yes, I believe I am, but you should know that, seeing as you seem to know so much about me."
"Mmm... I have a lot of time on my hands these days. Holidays are so overrated. Maybe you can keep me company, help me alleviate the boredom?"

The song ended and I started toward my table, but he directed me toward the entrance, the elevator, and finally his room.