Victor crossed the ballroom in long strides, his sharp gaze sweeping across the crowd as he searched for Laura.

He changed direction and headed toward the side corridor, finding her near the restroom entrance.

“You took your time...” he said, leaning casually against the wall with a playful half-smile. “I was starting to think you’d gotten yourself into trouble.”

He tilted his head, studying her more closely.

“What’s with that look?”

Laura adjusted her hair, trying to regain her composure, forc