"You struck my daughter," she said and as if on que everything stopped. Every muscle in my body tightened. Trying my best to appear calm and confused as I felt the stares from everyone in ear shot. "What makes you say that," I asked trying to suppress the panic in my voice. This is it. I've finally fucked up so bad that nothing I could ever do could rectify this. Everything I've ever worked for will be stripped away. Going to prison is the least of my worries. "Oh Darling anyone here could see. She was struck with love. Love struck as I've ever seen," she smiled sweetly and I was dumbfounded again. My heart was all I could hear. I thought I was going to die, right then and there. My mother gladly said something, I was so panicked I forgot how to speak. "I was just saying the same thing about him," she smiled. "Seems you both hit it off quite well. I'm so happy. My daughters not the easiest to get along with," Ms. Ella said nicely. "You don't say," I said sincerely. I finally recovered. That's the first time the corner I was backed into had zero exists. "True she's polite, well spoken, and extremely intelligent. Though I always worried that books would get in the way of her meeting someone. Till she came downstairs with a sparkle in her eyes. Now I see how silly I've been," Ms. Ella chuckled softly. "A mothers' worry is never silly," I smiled assuring her. "We worried the same thing about this boy. I've never seen him take interest in anyone till he met your daughter. I saw a flame ignite in his eyes," my father smiled putting his hand on my shoulder. "I see what you're doing old man. Are they really trying to set us up together. That fire in my eyes wasn't passion, it was closer to rage, and that sparkle in hers was of ice not love. I'll just make it her choice, she hates me anyway," I thought before saying, "I'm humbled. Your daughter is something special. I've never met anyone like her. Send her my well wishes. If she ever cares to see me again, I'm a mere phone call away," I smiled. She nodded before taking her leave. I watched her disappear into the crowd, before turning to my parents who looked happy as can be. "I'm so happy you found someone so special," my mother smiled. "You should go find her," my father whispered. I leaned in close before saying, "Sorry, but I promised Lady Camila a dance." I slowly turned and  walked into the crowd.

"I need to think, and I can't do that with everyone talking to me about that bitch. If I'm not careful jail time isn't the only thing I'll be trapped in. She and I really are just two purebreds who's owners hope they breed. We're both just telling them what they want to hear. Hopefully they don't take us seriously," I thought as I wondered the crowds. Acting like I was looking for Camila. Whether or not I found her didn't matter, I just needed think and let my body relax. If I become too stiff people will start to see through my charade. I absolutely can't let that happen.

The crowd seem to slowly go back to normal. The further I walked away from the host's daughter, people seemed to care less about me. Good. So I could hear the conversations about business again. Deals were being talked about like normal and I fought the urge to take a sigh of relief. Though I had to be careful. If I walked to far people could suspect something of being wrong. I stopped in front of a waiter. "Can I get you a drink sir," he smiled an empty service smile. His posture slowly dulling, as the night went on. "A gin please," I smiled. "Straight," He asked. "If you wouldn't mind," I replied back and he quickly walked away to fetch it for me. "This is definitely my least smoothest night, at one of these stupid parties," I thought before being interrupted.

"You must think you're hot stuff, don't ya Logi."

Not many people call me by my last name, caught me a little off guard. I turned to see Marc Dupont. The Dupont Family is one of the most influential in Belgium. Wealth was something they weren't afraid to flont. Earning most of their wealth due to oil and off shore banking. Looking down on anyone who didn't benefit them. I hated those type of people the most. He had short almost buzzed blond hair, pale green eyes, and a medium skin tone. His body type wasn't fit, but he wasn't over weight either, and he was just a hair taller than I. You bet he liked to remind me.

I remember that I met him my second time coming to this party. Marc was extremely polite, and welcoming... till he realized I wasn't buying his bullshit. Once we were alone he asked me about business. When I declined Marc quickly tore me a new one. Even just thinking about it makes me exhausted. I hope he's not trying to pull the same crap again.

"Excuse me," I replied friendly. "How about you do yourself a favor and leave the daughter alone. Once she's aware that I'm interested, you'll be nothing but common folk," he boasted. "I'll give him credit for waiting till I was away from the crowd. His team was giving us distance from the rest of the guests; so we could speak freely. I guess he wasn't a complete moron," I thought holding back a sigh. "I only did what her father asked of me. I wouldn't dream of pushing myself on to women unless it was her choice," I said nicely keeping my composure. "So yer say'n She's interested in a guy like you," he said sarcastically. "Come on Marc, even you can speak more intelligently than that," I smiled. "What'd ya say," he snapped. Seems I struck a nerve. "Since we're on the subject of intelligence did you ever graduate from the university your parents bought you," I asked politely and a vain on his forehead popped out. "His fuse is short as usual, at least I only got one trigger. This guy's whole ego is a big mine field," I thought trying hard not to roll my eyes. "You think your real smart don't ya. Well let's see how smart you look with a broken jaw," he growled clenching his fists. "Starting a fight here of all places?" I asked in disbelief. He couldn't be this stupid...

"No ones watching except for my people. Regardless of how this goes, they'll say you provoked me," he smirked looking proud of himself as he dusted off his shoulder. He had a point. With no witnesses it would be his word against mine. Plus with his people acting as witnesses, I have the odds stacked against me. Marc took a step closer and I fought back clenching my fists. "What's wrong Tommy boy, I didn't take you for the punching bag type," he said getting close to my face. If there was ever a time I would be happy to hear my name being called, now would be it. Hm... I'm not that lucky though...

I waited to be punch but it never came. Marc looked scared. Like fear in the eyes of a child as he backed up. Face flushed, and eyes as wide as they could be. Looking tense, almost horrified, as he quickly walked away. I was confused till I felt someone behind me. I slowly looked, expecting to see my father, the host or my mother. Yet I was oddly surprised to see two lovely dark brown eyes staring back at me. "Lady Camila," I whispered surprised and her smile brought the music back into the room. Now that Marc and his people left with him, I could feel stares. The crowd looking at us out of the corner of their eyes. I wonder how many hoped we'd be in love to get a chance at the host's daughter; or how any would consider me a fool.

"I um saw you and I noticed Marc was giving you trouble," she said shyly. Her voice was quiet yet it was like relief washing over me. I almost let out a sigh, but I caught myself. "You came to my rescue," I chuckled. She got a little embarrassed, but tried to hide it. "I guess so," she smiled back. I quickly glanced at the clock behind her. Almost, but I need to give it more time. Even if I call my driver it would take at least 20 min. That doesn't even include walking all the way to the door. looking like I wasn't in a hurry and stopping to chat if need be.

"So why did Marc get so scared of a sweetheart like you," I smiled. "I needed to get myself together and fast. I could have snapped at any moment. She's lucky she came when she did. The longer I just keep her talking the more time I have to calm down," I thought and she nervously chuckled. She looked down and whispered, "well... um don't tell anyone, but; my father caught his father embezzling, breaking many national laws, and having endangered servants. After a long talk with both heads of our family we agreed to keep everything secret to avoid national problems, as well as to charge them a big fee that would go straight to the people's well-being. The conditions are still secret, but one my father did tell me was that if he ever crossed our family, his family was finished." When she finished I leaned two things. The Hollia family was very powerful, and she can't keep a secret. Looks like I should be more cautious of how close I get to her. "Ah so in other words you scared him," I asked gently. "Yes," she nodded. I hugged her. "Thank you," I smiled as I felt her head get warm. After I pulled away I motioned to the dance floor. She looked a little surprised. "How's about a dance," I smiled and she happily nodded. Hand in hand we walked to the dance floor. The music swelled as we stepped on to the dance floor. Now the eyes could look without being accused of keeping an eye on me. Step by step I lead her in a simple waltz. I didn't need more attention, nor did I feel like showing off. Something simple, something classic so I could waste time before I left. The music was lovely, clear, and beautifully incorporating the violin, harp, and French horn. Camila was an excellent dancer. That didn't surprise me. I've seen her dance at parties before, yet I always missed the chance to have on with her myself. Flowing into each of the steps as if she didn't need me. She could have danced alone and she would have been perfect. Absolutely stunning.

Suddenly the music was halted abruptly. Eyes quickly went to the host whom was holding a microphone walking towards the center of the floor. This he's never done before. "Damn it! I was so close," I mentally screamed! Just 30 more min and I could have walked out no problem. Camila and I quietly made our way to the sidelines.

"Can I have your attention please! I would like to thank you all for coming. From my family to yours, we extended health and prosperity. (He paused for applause). Now I would like to ask a favor. For the final dance would Mr. Thomas Logi, be generous enough to grant me a request. Would you please honor a dance for my precious snowflake. My daughter Glacé," his voice booming through out the room with people clapping. I stood there for a second. I was dumbfounded. He turned to make eye contact with me. Seems I have no choice. "Of course sir," I smiled. "Brilliant!" He said excited. "So you're interested in her," whispered Camilla sadly. "My apologies, I have to do as I'm asked. A request by that man isn't one I can easily refuse," I whispered back. "I understand," she said quietly before walking back into the crowd. "Fucking damn it," I thought before turning my attention back to the host whom was greeting his daughter, motioning her to the middle of the room. I walked up to her. She curtsied and I bowed. The music started, Canon in D... predictable. Like a well oiled machine we flowed into each step somehow I found myself staring into her beautiful eyes. That frozen lake melting into a breathtaking ocean. I couldn't look away. Her hands felt so warm and gentle. It was as if I was in a dance with an angel. Watching myself in a dream. The stress, the anger seemed to have melted away. What the hell is happening. How did 10 minutes feel like 10 seconds. We stopped to hear thunderous applauds. I quickly noticed her father motion to the both of us to come over. It took longer than I wanted to notice I still holding her hand. It was too late to let go for her father noticed. "Thank you for the dance, my lady," I said warmly keeping my eye from twitching as I gazed at her. "My pleasure," she smiled back. "Darling, it seems you and Mr. Logi here are very well aquatinted. I suspect I'll be seeing you in our presence more frequently," Mr. Isical smiled. "It would be an honor," I smiled back. "Father can I go back now. My book-," she was interrupted by her father chuckling. "Sweetheart I told you not to mention those things here. A lady should be moser concerned with how our kind views her than the book she has on her nightstand. We talked about this. Don't make me repeat myself," He replied in a hushed voice. His tone was almost intimidating. I felt her hand clench in my hand. "Yes Papa," she smiled. "Now my apologies Thomas. You know how women can be. It would be my wish for you to romantically see my daughter," he smiled and I was taken back. I knew he would ask, but this seemed rushed, almost a little forced. "I appreciate the offer Sir. I'm not sure how to respond," I chuckled. I needed to play my cards carefully. "Oh come now. My daughter is a treasure no one could pass up. Definitely better than that women you were dancing with. The one from Hollia family," he smiled. "Why was he trying so hard to convince me? Did he really see me at the best partner for his daughter? Did he have to go as far as putting down Lady Camila?" I though as I glanced down at Glacé who didn't seem to waver or show any protesting. For a while I would say she's not the same girl as before. "Father I-," she stopped. I saw the glare in her father's eyes and how his hand stiffened.

"I've been hit harder."

I felt my blood boil...