Rachel was momentarily speechless. Her lips parted, and after a long, tense pause, she finally murmured, "I don't—"
But before she could finish, his finger came up, pressing gently against her lips.
The cool touch of his fingertip silenced her completely. In his striking, phoenix-like eyes, she saw a raw, fleeting glimmer of desperation. "Please," he whispered, his voice low. "Don't continue. Just for today, don't say anything more, okay? At least... not while you're wearing that dress."
A shiver ran through Rachel's body. The words she had been about to speak died in her throat.
"Alright, let's go," he said, his tone softening back into practicality. "It's not convenient to catch a cab while dressed like that."
Rachel nodded silently, offering a quiet "Thank you." Together, they turned and headed for the banquet hall exit.
