Lady Jane looks at her for a moment. She smiles as Angela sits beside her again.

“You’re going to make headlines,” Lady Jane says, “and not in a positive way.”

“I’m aware,” Angela says. “I’m not worried.”

“Any specific reason?”

Angela smiles.

“I made the decision knowing it would affect my reputation in one way or another,” she says. “In any case, I’m glad you and I have more time to get to know each other. I have no other appointments today.”

And she has to change her plans.

“Are you new in Libsia?” Angela says.

“Yes,” Lady Jane says. “I used to live in the capital. I moved here a few months ago. Libsia is a lovely city. You moved here recently, too, right?”

“Yes. I originally came for work.”

“And ended up married. I haven’t had a whirlwind romance, but I hope yours was good.”

Angela smiles. It wasn’t a whirlwind romance, but she doesn’t know Lady Jane enough to confide in her.

Oliver was rarely home. She didn’t understand why he hired someone to manage his house.

“When I’m not here,” he said, “only worry about the house. I’ll handle anything related to Libsia. Unless I ask or there’s an emergency, leave it.”

She nodded as he gave her access to his work realm mail. She followed his instructions, wondering why he was so secretive. She assumed he was protective of his city.

She wasn’t like the rest of his staff. When she was hired, he stayed for the first month to work with her. The rest of the staff kept a close eye on her when he was gone, but, at some point, they began to trust her. Oliver did, too.

He started by giving her specific tasks related to Libsia. The first came three months after she was hired. He eventually allowed her to make decisions on his behalf.

When he was gone, they communicated through messages. Their conversations were no longer just about work. They stayed up late when he could stay in touch.

“I need a favor,” he said one night.

“Okay,” she said. “What?”

“I need to attend a social event.”

She gasped in mock surprise.

“You socialise,” she said. “I need to meet these friends.”

He smiled slightly.

“Unfortunately,” he said, “it’s not that exciting of a social event. It’s not one I want to attend, but I need some information for a job.”

She nodded.

“Okay,” she said. “What can I do?”

“First,” he said, “I promise I won’t put you in any danger. This will simply involve attending this ball and I’ll gather the necessary information.”

She nodded. What did he do when he was out of Libsia?

“I need you to attend with me,” he said. “It’s a ball and I’d like not to be approached by specific people.”

“Noble ladies?” she said.

“It would be distracting and unwelcome.”

“So, am I going as your friend, assistant, or date?”

“If you’re comfortable, as my date.”

She nodded.

“Sure,” she said. “When?”

“In two weeks,” he said.

“Okay. What’s the attire?”

He sighed.

“It’s a fancy ball,” he said. “The invitation didn’t give instructions, but they have expectations.”

“Right. I’ll see what I can do.” She smiled. “We should match. It’ll be fun.”

He smiled.

“I tend to wear black,” he said.

“I can pull it off,” she said.

“If you want to get something, charge it to the house. It’ll go to my account.”

“I should be okay.”

“Keep it in mind.”

She didn’t charge anything to the house, not even her hair appointment. Oliver didn’t question her decision.

She wore an ankle-length black dress and low heels. Her hair was styled into loose braids. She wore little makeup.

Oiliver’s eyes roamed over her face and body. He was silent for a moment, looking at her.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

“Thanks,” she said. “Are you ready?”

He wore a black suit and black dress shoes.

“Yes,” he said. “Let’s go.”

The drive was mostly quiet.

“Is there anything I should expect?” she asked.

“I think we should be alright,” he said. “There will be questions about you.”

“Do I just tell them the truth?”

“Don’t answer any questions you don’t want to answer. Hold your ground, whatever decision you make. They’re very persistent.”

“Got it.”

They arrived at the house. Oliver handed over his invitation and the butler led them to the ballroom.

“This is my first ball, by the way,” she said.

“It’s unfortunately not mine,” he said. “I don’t enjoy this as much as my father used to.”

“You socialise in your own way. It doesn’t have to include this.”

“Are you excited about your first ball?”

“Yeah.”

They stood together and watched guests arrived. They were a few minutes early.

The hosts greeted everyone minutes later. She and Oliver joined the dance floor. His body against hers felt good. She blushed. They had never been so close in a situation out of work.

“Where did you learn to dance?” he asked.

“Video tutorials,” she said. “I have a lot of time on my hands. I don’t really go out a lot.”

“I had to take classes in school. It was mandatory.”

“Sounds terrible.”

“It was. I’m glad I had a lot of electives.”

She didn’t have that option until college.

“What was your favorite?” she said.

“A cooking class I took during my first year of secondary school,” he said. “I had a good teacher and it was relaxing.”

“Can I try your cooking one day?”

“I’m out of practice, but I think I’m still good.”

She smiled as he twirled her.

“I can’t wait to try something you make,” she said.

They spent most of the night dancing. Someone eventually approached.

“Duke Oliver,” she said, “it’s good to see you.”

Oliver smiled politely.

“It’s good to see you as well,” he said. He shook her hand. He pointed to Angela. “This is my companion, Angela.”

Angela shook the woman’s hand and smiled politely.

“Nice to meet you,” Angela said.

“The pleasure is mine,” the woman said.

They talked for a few minutes. At the end of their conversation, the woman handed Oliver an envilope.

“I hope this helps,” she said.

“It should,” Oliver said. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Good luck.”

Oliver nodded as she left.

“One more dance?” Angela said.

He smiled.

“Alright,” he said. “I can see you’re enjoying yourself. I’m glad.”

They danced. She shifted closer until their bodies touched. He took a deep breath. Pressed his lips to her cheek.

“Thank you for tonight,” he said. “I appreciate it.”

“Sure,” she said. “I’ve really been enjoying myself.” An idea came to her. “Do you want to go for a drink or something after this?”

He smiled.

“Sure,” he said. “I’d love to.”

They left the ball minutes later. They sat together in the back seat of the runner. Their legs touched.

“Did I make you uncomfortable?” she said. “I know I got very close.”

“I was not uncomfortable,” he said. He paused, considering his words. “I’m attracted to you.”

She shifted closer. Leaned toward him. Their lips touched. It was a tentative kiss.

“I can’t offer you much in the way of a relationship,” he said. “My work is unpredictable.”

“I understand,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be a relationship. It can be pleasure for pleasure.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. It won’t get in the way of work. I promise.”

He considered a moment and nodded.

“Good,” she said with a smile. “We have a few minutes. Kiss me.”

He pulled her into his lap and kissed her. There was no hesitation. She smiled, kissing him back.