Clara Bennett
“You ready?” Ryder asked, offering me his arm as we stepped out of the car in front of the Grand Ballroom.
I slipped my hand through it, feeling the solid muscle under his suit jacket. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
The moment we walked through the grand double doors, the soft noise and flashing camera lights hit me all at once.
I looked up ahead and saw crystal chandeliers sparkling overhead, it was so beautiful....and the soft music played from a live orchestra, with elegantly dressed guests moving around in groups, laughing and chatting like they belonged in this world.
Ryder kept me close, his hand resting lightly on my lower back as we moved through the crowd. Several people turned to stare, whispering behind their champagne glasses.
I smiled politely when he introd
