again. She watched James, unable to take her eyes of him. He was the most captivating man she had ever laid eyes on. As James was leaned on the balcony railing looking out over the garden paradise, Ally admired his chiselled profile. He stiffened, sensing her presence, and slowly turned around to look straight at her. His eyes flared, and he seemed lost in the same vortex that she was.
The room had grown unnaturally quiet, as if eagerly watching the two of them, wanting to be the first to see what would happen between Alessandra and James. Ally was sure her mind was playing tricks, and if she’d been able to look around, she would’ve seen no-one was watching what was going on.
James pushed off the rail with an ease and elegance that didn’t seem human. He walked toward Ally, never taking his eyes off her once. He reminded her of a lion, stalking its prey with a hypnotic, unbreakable determination.
Everything changed into a slow motion scene. She felt her body gravitating towards him, and without conscious thought, she had taken a step. He seemed to be calling to her. She trembled from the anticipation running through her veins. Ally couldn’t form a single coherent thought.
He drew closer.
It was pure magnetism between them, pulling them together by the forces of nature.
He looked at her like a man starving.
She looked at him like a woman drowning.
As he walked towards her, Ally felt something tugging at her consciousness. Before she could react, the world before her was gone, and she was thrown back to last night.
James was staring with deadly intent at another man. She knew him somehow, but her mind was too fuzzy to make out exactly who he was.
Just as quickly as she remembered the image, it was gone, and she was back at the Masquerade Ball with James walking towards her.
What the hell was that?
Ally focused on James, a flicker of concern washed across his handsome features then was gone again.
Ally was convinced she was suffering some sort of mental breakdown. It wasn’t possible. She hadn’t laid eyes on James in five long years.
He continued walking towards her as she tried to get her composure back.
I finally see him again, and I’m having some sort of breakdown, typical! Ally had to fight back a frustrated groan.
James was upon her, there was no more time for internal hysterics. She had to put it aside and deal with it later. He reached down and took her hand bowing ever so slowly. Never breaking eye contact, he bestowed a kiss on her hand, as he had done five years ago.
“Good evening, Alessandra,” he murmured in that familiar warm rich voice that seemed to vibrate through her.
“Good evening, James,” she said still not entirely in control of herself.
“You are breathtaking tonight.” The compliment almost rendered her speechless.
“Thank you.” She paused drinking him in. “You are still looking god-like.” Ally didn’t realize what she had said until he burst into laughter.
“Thank you, Alessandra,” he said still laughing.
Mortified, Ally covered her mouth with her hand. “I can’t believe I just said that,” she mumbled. She always had a way of saying things that were in her head before she gave it much thought. The habit was one that frequently offended others around her, or in this case, embarrassed her. She never meant any harm in what she said, it was simply a case of foot in mouth disease according to Adele. Her grandmother loved Ally’s blunders. She believed it was part of what made Ally so special and endearing. Ally hated it.
Kathryn also seemed to have a special place in her heart for Ally’s honesty. It was one of her best qualities, and everyone needed a friend who would tell you the truth no matter what the circumstances. That was a true friend, according to Kat.
“Would you care to join me for a drink in the garden?” James’ voice interrupted her reverie.
“Yes, that sounds lovely,” Ally said, trying to contain the excitement in her voice.
He took two flutes of champagne from a passing waiter and handed one to her, then extended his arm for her to take. James led her out of the house, to the veranda, and down the three steps into the garden.
“Adele knows how to throw a party, doesn’t she?” he said softly.
“It’s one of her many talents.” Ally smiled. “I haven’t seen you at any of her parties before.”
“No.” A swift sadness swept over his face then was gone just as