Chapter 21

　　The handshake Kent gave her was warm and confident. 　　The man was gazing at her, a small smile curling at the corner of his lips. His eyes were brimming with curiosity as they roamed up and down and all around her. 　　The handshake seemed to have lasted for too long. Celeste tried to pull her hand back, but the man's grip was tight. 　　Kent cleared his throat as if he had just noticed that he was still holding onto her hand. He let go and apologized, "I'm sorry. Your beauty has left me dumbfounded." 　　Celeste snorted. The man was a flirt. And she couldn't help but notice the way Kent commanded the attention of everyone he met. 　　It wasn't just his rugged appearance, although that certainly played a part. His beard and piercing eyes only added to the rough-and-tumble image he projected. More than anything, though, it was the air of danger that seemed to surround him at all times. He moved with purpose, his every step graceful yet threatening all at once. 　　Maybe that was why the young l