AFTER DINNER
The elevator ride up to the penthouse felt like it took forever. The relaxed feeling from dinner was fading fast, replaced by a knot of anxiety in my stomach. Lysander stood beside me, a solid presence that both comforted and unnerved me. I snuck a glance at him, trying to gauge his mood, but his face was unreadable as ever.
When we stepped into the bedroom, the air felt thick with unspoken expectations. I needed a moment to breathe, to prepare myself for whatever was coming next.
"I'm just going to freshen up," I said, my voice sounding too high even to my own ears. I dove into the bathroom before Lysander could respond.
I stared in the mirror, taking deep breaths. My reflection looked back at me, eyes wide and nervous. I've chosen a long, dark satin nightgown for tonigh
