Anya’s POV
I straightened my back a little, pretending confidence even though my stomach tightened. His gaze moved over me slowly, like he was appraising something he wanted to buy. The room suddenly felt warmer, louder—people laughing, glasses clinking, a piano playing softly somewhere—but all I could focus on was how uncomfortable I felt standing there with him.
I pressed my lips together, wishing Orion hadn’t walked away. Wishing I didn’t feel so small in a place where everyone else seemed so sure of themselves.
I forced a small smile, the polite kind I’d practiced since childhood. “Nice to meet you, sir.”
He didn’t step back. If anything, he leaned in more, like he thought I’d enjoy it.
“What a waste,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Standing here alone when you should be on some
