ella

f Chicago, their diamonds glittering like shards of ice. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume, Cuban cigars, and the metallic tang of

rt was finalized. Now, I was just wai

n't ta

d high up the thigh, a bold declaration of intent. She didn't mingle. Her eyes scanned the room, lock

me, the crowd par

e of a blade. She loomed over me, smelling of tuberose and

evening, Miss Webb. I assume you've found your seat a

family." She took a step closer, invading my personal space. "My father took a bullet for the previous Don. My b

he trembling in my hands. "The head table is reserved for immedia

by guests. "I am more family than you will ever be. Fix it. Now. Or I will h

on me, burning, judging. I opened my mouth to respond, to apologize,

re a pr

the room seemed t

her expression instantly morphi

hrone. He hadn't stood up. He hadn't raised his voice. He simply existed, and that

ching out as if to touch his arm. "This incompetent girl has

His tone was flat, devoid of warmth, devoid of intere

air. "But... Damien, surely you didn't me

hal register that sent a shiver down my spine. "If the seat prov

's face drained of color, her red lips parting in shock. She looked around, realiz

at me before turning and retreating to Table Three, her

eartbeat. It wasn't a look of reassurance. It was a claim. A reminder t

my knees weak. He had defended the decision, but

s. Irvin, handsome in a rugged, dangerous way, leaned in close to Damien, whisper

and a flash of raw, unbridled anger darkened his face. He snapped a short

Don had just publicly shamed a woman with family ties for the sake

ia, problems w