100 Lifetimes of Us (The Romantics #1)

by Maggie C. Gates

Miles adjusted the knot of his tie. “You look lovely, Ms. West.” I fought back a smile, but there was no beating the girlish blush that painted my cheeks. “Why thank you, Mr. Zhou.” “You ready for this?” I gave him an unsteady nod, but a nod nonetheless. His hand was warm against my lower back as we walked through the halls and waited for the elevator to take us down to the ballroom. And then it hit me. As soon as the elevator doors closed around us, it was like being trapped in a coffin. I grappled for the metal railing and squeezed my eyes shut as flashes of heat and cold clashed against my skin. “Ms. West—” Miles’s voice seemed like it was light years away. His hand cupped my cheek. It was flaming hot like a brand, and I jerked away. He said something in Mandarin that could have passed as a muttered profanity, and slammed one of the buttons on the control panel. Everything stopped. Latent memories of laughter, whispered comments, and cutting criticism choked me like weeds. I couldn’t breathe. Cool air swirled around my neck as Miles lifted the red hair off of my shoulders, carefully holding it in a makeshift bun. “Get on your knees.” I let out an exasperated breath. “Didn’t really think we were that close yet.” “Not like that, you adorable little perv.” He chuckled. “Trust me. Go slow so you don’t fall.” I held on to the rail and did as he said. Miles squatted down beside me. “Panic attack?” he asked gently. All I could do was nod. “Hold your breath.” He was calm as he ...