The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 416

Jamie's voice was gentle, yet it carried an undeniable weight of authority. His grip on her wrist tightened ever so slightly.

Seeing Suzie glance nervously around—clearly afraid of lurking paparazzi—he took the opportunity to lead her toward the doors.

After a few steps, sensing she was still rigidly resisting him, Jamie paused. Reluctantly, he released her hand and offered a calm explanation.

"There are dressing rooms upstairs. I'll take you there, and then I'll leave. Let's go."

Suzie looked down at her current state. She certainly couldn't walk back into the main banquet hall looking like this.

Swallowing her pride, she said coldly, "I'll just ask the staff. I'll leave your jacket with security later."

Without waiting for a response, she brushed past him and started walking.

Watching her stubborn silhouette, Jamie frowned but replied evenly, "If you go up there alone, they won't let you use the private suites."

Without giving her a chance to argue, he easily overtook her, matching her pace as he spoke in a low, teasing tone.

"Come on. Are you afraid I'm going to eat you?"

Suzie hesitated, but seeing Jamie turn as if he were about to grab her hand again, she quickly sped up.

They walked in silence. From the corner of his eye, Jamie kept glancing at her ankle. "Did you sprain it?"

Suzie ignored him, though her steady, even strides gave him the answer he needed.

Once they passed through the doors, the main hall was to their right, and a long, quiet corridor stretched to their left.

Suzie followed him down the hallway. At the turn, there was a bank of elevators.

The attendant stationed there immediately recognized Jamie. He bowed so deeply his back was practically at a ninety-degree angle as he scrambled to press the button for them.

Just then, another couple approached, hoping to share the ride, but the attendant immediately blocked them.

"I'm so sorry, but please use the elevators on the opposite side."

Trapped against the wall and suffocating under his proximity, Suzie snapped. She brought her knee up in a swift, vicious strike.

Before she could connect, his large hand clamped firmly over her thigh, stopping her dead.

"Where did you learn a trick like that? Hmm?" Jamie murmured, a faint, dangerous smile playing on his lips.

He leaned in closer. His uneven breathing brushed against her skin.

Suzie turned her head sharply, trying to dodge him, but wherever she moved, he slowly, deliberately followed.

Suzie gritted her teeth.

Ding!

Thankfully, the elevator reached the top floor, and the doors slid open.

She was just about to scream at him, but in the blink of an eye, Jamie stepped back.