la-the MET Gala-was not optional.

g-sleeved, with an open back that revealed the sharp ridge of her spine. It was stu

a tuxedo, but his eyes were

d carpet together.

erbilt! L

Who are yo

small of her back for the photo

erena a

g, chiffon Grecian number that looked dangerously like a

d from Catherine's back

therine spent most of it sitting at the table, sippin

the three of them ended up at

car," Sebastian of

e elevator," he instru

e, and Serena. The atmosphere was suffocating. The scent of Sere

. The elevator b

un

jolt sho

flickered

kness swal

there was ab

erena s

breathe!" Her voice was

tly. Catherine heard t

m here. I'v

wall. The darkness pressed in on her. He

ed in a closet by a cruel nanny for hours. Sebastian didn't k

therine whisper

shed his arm

d past h

e, Catherine!" he barked, his voi

Catherine heard him gathe

st breathe. Count to te

dly she dropped it. She fell to her knees, groping on the

d on the

t through t

Serena was straddling his lap, clinging to his lapels, her face buried in

e light. He saw Ca

ked an

e ordered. "Sh

button. She pressed it. Nothing. S

Sebastian commanded. "Focus, S

Serena sobbed, clu

t. I pr

inst the cold metal wall.

her woman. She watched him be the

k, just outside th

ealized. He doesn't know because

tting on the floor too, but on

ng love to Serena. Catherine silent, invisible, holding t

returned. The overhe

tor began

ened on the

irefighters

weeping woman in white, and a woman in blue standing alone in the corner