Chapter 6 - The Terrace Air
The stone terrace overlooked the dark expanse of Central Park. The late autumn night air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of rain and damp leaves from the trees below.
Nora stood near the balustrade, leaning her hands against the stone, letting the cold air cool her flushed cheeks.
Elias stood beside her, taking off his heavy black tuxedo jacket and draping it gently over her shoulders. The wool was warm, carrying the faint, intoxicating scent of cedar, sandalwood, and his skin.
"You didn't have to do that," Nora said softly, staring out at the distant yellow lights of the city skyline. "Threatening her father's docking leases... it will cause gossip."
"I don't care about gossip," Elias replied, leaning his forearms against the balustrade next to her. "And I meant every word I said."
Nora turned her head to look at him. His profile was sharp against the city light, his jaw relaxed for the first time all evening.
"Celeste was right about one thing," Nora whispered, her voice carrying a quiet honesty that cut through the night air. "We live in different worlds, Elias. In two days, your mother's wedding will be over, my contract will end, and I will go back to my small apartment in Brooklyn and my regular clients. You didn't need to make a scene to defend my honor."
Elias turned to face her fully, stepping into her space until he was standing only inches away.
"You still think I defended you out of pity," he said, his grey eyes burning into hers with an intensity that made her breath catch in her throat.
"Didn't you?" Nora asked, her heart beating frantically against her ribs. "You are an elite man, Elias. You have appearances to maintain."
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Elias let out a low, dry laugh—a sound so rare and genuine it surprised her.
"Nora," he said softly, reaching up to gently touch the edge of her collarbone where his jacket rested on her shoulder. "You spent three weeks tearing down my appearances. You think I care about them now?"
