Chapter 43: Grovel

Tiel didn't register who it was he had laid his eyes on when he first saw her, but he knew then that it was the first time he had felt his heart catch in his throat as if she were a being he was not meant to see—an embodiment of what a burning flame would be if it could be anything but fire itself.

The black glittery dress that hugged her body was like a well-fitted glove, highlighting the daring, sensual curves of her buttocks and hips, which bounced ever so slightly as she walked. Her high heels clicked against the marble floor. 

Her hair, styled like a victorious crown atop her head, allowed stray strands to fall softly around the tenderness of her neck and bare shoulders, as white as the first kiss of winter snow. 

Tiel let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.