Chapter 1: Introduction
J Pillows and soft jazz emanating from invisible speakers offered a serene welcome as I slipped out of the elevator. The man on my arm straightened self-importantly—old habits from his childhood where the only time foreigners Paid Attention was when he donned the soldier's garb.
I offered him a slight smile. "Ever seen such beauty?" I asked, spreading my arms wide to the wall of windows.
"Yep," he responded, gaze lingering and stretching my arm with his.
"But I've never seen anything quite so beautiful as *you*"
I may have blushed, dark skin betraying my true feelings less than pasty DEI counterparts. His comment was poorly timed, but disarmingly sincere. We stood quietly for a moment, admiring the full moon casting shadows of the distant peaks onto the city undulating below.
Pulling away and recalling my mission, I winked.