"Veronica?" Edric's voice carried a hint of curiosity as he rolled the name across his tongue. "Like the heavens?"
The name seemed to fit her perfectly, though Edric kept that observation to himself.
From their positions around the dance floor, Maverick, Nate, Marco, Niall, and Cullen watched the interaction unfold with varying degrees of interest.
Partner swapping during formal dances was commonplace at events like these.
Yet something about Veronica and Edric together commanded attention.
They moved with an effortless grace that drew the eye. Maverick's expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he observed them.
Marco went rigid beside his own partner.
The woman in his arms noticed his distraction immediately. "Mr. Valerie? Is everything alright?"
Marco forced himself to look away from the pair. "My apologies."
"No need to apologize."
Logically, Marco understood that changing partners meant nothing. He wouldn't think twice about dancing with Cullen or any of the other men present.
But watching Veronica in another man's arms stirred something uncomfortable in his chest.
This marked Niall's first encounter with Edric tonight.
While Maverick had made his rounds greeting everyone, Edric had arrived separately.
Niall remained in the dark about his background and connections.
However, judging by the respectful way both Maverick and Kolton interacted with him, she deduced his influence matched Maverick's considerable status.
A frown creased Niall's features as she studied Veronica and Edric's interaction. Veronica's cheeks held a rosy flush, and Edric seemed unusually attentive toward her.
Nate broke the tension with his characteristic grin. "How about we mix things up, Cullen?"
The suggestion jolted Niall from her observations.
Cullen's gaze found hers across the dance floor. "Are you amenable to a change?"
Niall's smile appeared effortless despite her inner turmoil. "Why not?"
The exchange happened smoothly, with Cullen gracefully transitioning to Nate's previous partner.
The young woman who suddenly found herself in Cullen's arms hadn't anticipated Niall's easy agreement to the swap.
As Cullen's strong hand captured hers while his other arm settled around her waist, she found herself staring up at his devastatingly handsome features. Her heart hammered against her ribs so violently she forgot how to move her feet.
Heat flooded her cheeks when she realized her frozen state. Her eyes darted to Cullen's face, embarrassment making her breath catch.
Cullen noticed her distress immediately. His voice dropped to a soothing tone. "There's no need for nervousness."
His gentle reassurance worked like magic. She whispered an apology and gradually found her rhythm with his steps.
Initially, Niall felt completely comfortable with the partner exchange.
She harbored no concerns about losing Cullen over a simple dance.
But watching the woman gaze at Cullen with obvious infatuation, her expression dreamy and flustered, triggered an unexpected spike of irritation in Niall's chest.
Nate had never harbored romantic feelings for Niall, given her relationship with his close friend.
The partner swap had been purely impulsive on his part.
Now, however, he struggled with the awkwardness of the situation.
Dancing with his friend's girlfriend created an uncomfortable dynamic. Holding her hand felt strange enough, and he couldn't decide where to position his other hand appropriately.
Niall sensed his discomfort and addressed it directly. "It's simply a dance. Cullen understands that perfectly."
Nate relaxed visibly and chuckled. "You make a valid point."
While they conversed, neither noticed Veronica and Cullen's positions shifting closer to each other on the crowded floor.
Veronica remained completely oblivious to their proximity.
Then Cullen's voice cut through the music near her ear. "Edric, interested in another change?"
Veronica's head turned instinctively, bringing her face to face with Cullen's intense stare.
Edric looked toward her questioningly. "Ms. Murray, would you prefer to..."
Before Edric could complete his sentence, Cullen moved with decisive action, smoothly transferring his current partner toward Edric.
If Edric failed to react quickly, the woman would certainly stumble.
Observing Cullen reach for Veronica while ensuring his previous partner's safety, Edric had no alternative but to release Veronica and catch the approaching woman, his hands settling securely around her waist.
The entire exchange occurred with lightning speed, leaving Veronica no time to process what was happening before she found herself firmly secured in Cullen's strong embrace.