The hum of the bar was louder than Tina expected. Not just the music—though it thumped and vibrated in her chest like a heartbeat on fast-forward—but the chatter, laughter, clinking glasses, and even the subtle footfalls on polished floors. It was… overwhelming.
She paused near the entrance, one hand lightly gripping her clutch, the other brushing against the side of her silver hair. Her icy blue eyes scanned the crowd, and her chest tightened. Her heartbeat skipped, then raced. She could feel the warm swirl of her vanilla-mint pheromones mixing with the natural anxiety, an invisible signal that seemed to make the air feel heavier, thicker.
Why had she agreed to this? She had told herself it would be fine. She'd attended events before. Public appearances were part of the job. But being in the spotlight tonight—with so many strangers laughing too loudly and moving too fast—made her stomach twist.
