Although Michael was a man whose composure rarely faltered, there were certain exceptions. This was one of them… standing face-to-face with Nicole and her piercing crimson gaze, which many found intimidating, yet had the opposite effect on him.
Those eyes…
"Ahem!" Michael cleared his throat. "Normally, I would argue with the idea that I'm popular… But since your help arrived at exactly the right moment, I suppose I'll let the matter slide."
"There is no need to be humble." Nicole reassured.
Michael shook his head. "You can't change my mind. Even if I've helped you in the past, it pales in comparison to the favors you've done for me and my faction. This has only increased that debt."
Nicole giggled.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, shall we? What makes you think I don't want something in return?"
Michael blinked slowly. "You do?"
She nodded, her eyes surveying the extravagant ball.
