This time was different. Without the pressure of counting or watching her feet, Isabella found herself following his lead naturally. His hand on her back guided her, steady and sure. When she started to stumble, he caught her easily, pulling her closer.
"Better," he said, and she could hear approval in his voice.
They moved together in the dim light of the study, shadows dancing across the leather-bound books. Isabella's heart hammered against her ribs, but not from fear this time. Matteo's eyes never left her face, studying her with an intensity that made her feel exposed.
"Why do you care so much?" she asked suddenly, the words slipping out before she could stop them.
"About what?" He asked.
"About me learning to dance, about any of this." She gestured around the room. "I'm just here to work off a debt."
His jaw tightened, and for a moment she thought he wouldn't answer. Then his grip on her waist tightened.
