Defiant Heir (The Heirs #3) - Michelle Heard Page 0,55

night.”

I walk out of my room, and when I enter the shared living space, Noah’s eyes widen on me. “Holy shit, you look stunning.”

“Thanks, Noah.”

My gaze locks on Kao, and the breath rushes from my lungs. He’s dressed to the nines in a dark charcoal suit.

God, he’s breathtaking.

He stares at me, his lips parted, and wonder settles on his face. The way Kao looks at me makes me feel beautiful, and a little of my crushed self-esteem trickles back.

I walk closer to him. “You look impressive, Mr. Reed.”

The corner of his mouth lifts. “You’re a vision to behold, Miss Reyes.”

I let out a chuckle. “Are you ready?”

Kao holds his hand out to me, and I take another step closer to him. Lifting my hand, I place it in his, and instantly tingles spread up my arm.

This man is so intense, even his touch is electric.

“Enjoy the night, kids,” Hana calls after us as we walk out of the suite.

When we stop in front of the elevator, Kao murmurs, “God, you smell good.”

The doors open, and we step inside. Kao’s fingers tighten around mine, and then he says, “We’re not going to the restaurant.”

“Oh?” A smile tugs at my lips. “Where are we going?”

Kao lets out a chuckle, “You’ll have to wait and see.”

As we walk out of our building, Summer comes rushing around the corner, but then she pauses. “Wow, you both look beautiful. Enjoy the evening.”

I watch her dart away before I can even reply.

Did Kao…? Nah… But…

I look up at him. “Are we going to the hall?”

“Damn, I knew you’d catch on,” he says, a broad smile stretching over his face. “I figured since we missed the Christmas Ball and you worked really hard on it, you should at least experience it.”

My heart. Can he be any more thoughtful?

A happy smile begins to play around my lips as I cautiously lead Kao to the hall. When we step inside, and I see all the decorations, my smile turns into a bubble of laughter. “It looks so good. I love the winter wonderland theme,” I murmur.

There’s only one table situated in the middle of the hall, and a band is ready in the corner.

“Are we going to dance?” I ask, a fluttering of anticipation in my chest.

“Of course,” Kao states.

Kao pulls my chair out for me. “Thank you,” I murmur as I sit down. Kao presses a kiss to the top of my head.

The waiter brings a sprite for Kao and a coke for me, then he hurries out of the hall.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I already placed an order with the kitchen,” Kao says. “I’m having pizza, so you don’t have to feed me.”

“Shoot, there you go and spoil all the fun,” I tease him.

He chuckles, then asks, “Are you okay with the seafood platter? I know you love it and felt it was a safe bet.”

I reach over the table for his hand and give it a squeeze. “That sounds perfect. Kinda like my man taking charge. I could get used to this.”

“Your man?” His mouth lifts into the sexy grin I love so much.

“Yeah,” I murmur.

“So, you’re good with us being in a relationship?” Kao asks.

“Yeah, so much for taking our time, right?” I laugh. “I should’ve known you’d just sweep me right off my feet again.”

“I won’t let you fall this time.”

Kao’s words make emotion well in my chest. I stare at him, feeling so thankful that we found our way back to each other.

“I love you, Kao.”

KAO

Finally, hearing those words from Fallon, my life feels complete, and I realize there would be nothing worse than living a life without her.

I rub my thumb over the back of her hand and say, “You’ve just made me the happiest man alive.”

Fuck, she looks absolutely breathtaking in the dress. I just hate that she’s covering half her face and wish I could reach over and tuck the hair behind her ear. Not wanting to ruin the night, I keep still.

A server brings our food, and once he steps away from the table, Fallon says, “All dressed up, and things are about to get messy,” Fallon jokes. “This is perfect.”

While we eat, the band plays background music. The atmosphere is peaceful, and I’m grateful the night is going according to plan.

“Earlier, I was sitting in the living room, and for a moment, the blurriness faded a little,” I tell Fallon.

“Oh, my God! That’s great,” Fallon exclaims. “Give or take two to three weeks, and you should