As if reading her unease, Zade tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. "Expecting someone else?" he asked lightly, though his tone had a trace of curiosity.
Caught off guard, Evelina blinked and met his green eyes. For a brief moment, she debated whether to admit the truth.
But Damian's absence bothered her, and she hesitated. If he was handling something dangerous, there was no harm in keeping up appearances. A single dance wouldn't change anything.
Finally, she sighed softly and nodded. "Yes, but..." Her voice trailed off as she straightened her posture, brushing her lingering worries aside. She turned back to Zade, a polite smile gracing her lips. "A dance won't hurt."
Zade's lips curved into a charming smile, and he extended his hand once more. "Then allow me the honor."
With a graceful curtsy, Evelina placed her hand in his. "You're very persistent, Zade."
"I prefer to think of myself as determined," he said with a playful grin as he led her onto the dance floor.
