Selene stood in front of the full-length mirror, her fingers trailing along the curve of her waist as she adjusted the black satin gown hugging her figure like a whisper. The straps sat delicately on her shoulders, and the slit along her left leg added just enough danger to an otherwise classic look.
She looked beautiful — and she knew it. But tonight, the reflection didn't feel like armor. It felt… fragile.
"Babe?" Nathan's voice called from the bedroom. "You almost done?"
"Two minutes," she answered.
She leaned in, applying a final coat of lip gloss — subtle sheen, no color. Her lashes curled upward with gentle defiance, and her perfume misted like a soft spell across her collarbone. That scent — warm, sweet, a little woody — always made her feel in control.
She stepped out of the closet.
Nathan sat on the edge of their bed, tugging at the cuffs of his shirt. His gaze traveled up the moment he saw her, and his lips parted slightly.
"Damn."
Selene smiled, just a little. "Is that a compliment or an emergency?"
He stood and walked over, adjusting the back of her dress without asking. His hands were gentle. Familiar.
"You're gonna turn heads," he murmured. "Just try not to break any hearts tonight, yeah?"
She laughed softly, brushing invisible lint from his collar. "No promises."
They moved in sync — keys, phones, touch-ups — until they were finally out the door, the cool evening air brushing over them as they headed toward the car.
Nathan opened the passenger door for her.
"You good?" he asked once they were seated, pulling out of the driveway.
Selene hesitated for half a second.
"Yeah," she said. "Just tired. Long day."
He reached over and took her hand as they drove. His thumb traced lazy circles on her palm. It should've been comforting.
It was comforting.
So why did her heart f
eel like it was waiting for something?