Night of sweet whispers

The masquerade ball was winding down when Marion and I finally left the grand hotel. 

I still felt the thrill of the night in my veins, the laughter, the soft music, and the playful glances behind our masks. 

In his arms, I felt both safe and alive. 

We had danced, we had laughed, and even had stolen kisses that made me forget the weight of bestowed upon me for a while.

I remember how Marion's eyes lit up as we swayed together on the dance floor. 

His hand at the small of my back, his soft whisper in my ear saying, "You look so beautiful tonight, Selena," made my heart flutter. 

Every compliment he gave felt sincere, a promise of protection and passion. I could feel the heat from his skin as we moved in rhythm to the music. 

At one point, during a slow dance, he leaned in close and kissed my neck, softly and deeply, and I felt the world around us blur into a haze of desire.