CHAPTER 18 MISS KINGSTON

SABRINA'S POV The dance seemed to go on forever, and I experienced a weird mix of relief and regret when it eventually finished. For a minute longer than needed, Jared's hand lingered in mine before he released me, his fingers grazing my palm in a way that made me slightly tremble. Taking a deep breath, I tried to center myself and try to figure out what had transpired all night. I felt myself gravitating toward Jared as he led me off the dance floor because I seemed to be drawn to his stability. But I felt my confidence falter once more as we got closer to the woman from before. With her perceptive eyes darting between Jared and I, the woman was observing us closely, evaluating and calculating. A shiver went down my spine. The woman exuded beauty and commanding presence in an unforced manner. She exuded strength in every aspect, from her poised posture when standing to her collected smile, which stopped just short of her eyes. The woman gave Jared a courteous nod, which he was me