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“Do I strike you as a ives a da her off “I just want you to see the truth”

“What’s that?” Half-mesmerized, she let him pull her into his powerful arms Electricity crackled up her arainst hers She looked up at his face His jawline was dark with five-o’clock shadow below razor-sharp cheekbones There was a strange darkness in his black eyes, a vibrating tension from his muscular body beneath the well-cut tuxedo

“You don’t love my cousin You never did”

She tried to pull away “You have some nerve to—”

Holding her hand implacably in his own, he led her out onto the dance floor, where guests swayed to the slow romantic Christmas music of the orchestra

She felt everyone looking at her The women, with a mix of envy and bewilder on her uncomfortably low neckline

Even Nicole and Oliver paused to gape at the sight of Stavros leading her out on the dance floor Holly felt equally bewildered Stavros could dance with anyone Why would he choose her? Had he lost some kind of bet?

Surely this couldn’t just be to convince Holly she had no real feelings for Oliver

But if he could, hoonderful would that be?

Suddenly, Holly wanted itin the world

Stavros led her confidently to the center of the dance floor, forcing others to ainst his chest, he looked down at her She felt his dark gaze burn through her body, all the way to her toes He looked at her almost as if he—

Desired her?

No Holly’s cheeks went hot That was a step too far No man had ever desired her Not Oliver Not even Albert froo, then stood her up for soame

But there was heat in Stavros’s gaze as he moved her in his arms

“You don’t lovehis hold on her “Adht”