THE CHARITY GALA
940 Words
The ballroom smelled of expensive perfume and fresh orchids. Crystal chandeliers threw light across marble floors, catching on sequins and gold cufflinks. Aria adjusted the strap of her black gown as the elevator doors opened. The dress hugged her ribs, slit high on one thigh, elegant but sharp. Ethan's assistant had chosen it. She hadn't argued.
Ethan waited at the entrance to the main hall. Black tuxedo, crisp white shirt, no tie. He turned when he heard her heels.
His gaze swept over her. Slow. Deliberate. It lingered on the slit, then rose to her face.
"You clean up well," he said.
She lifted her chin. "You too."
He offered his arm. She took it. His bicep flexed under her fingers. Warm through the fabric.
They stepped into the crowd.
Heads turned. Whispers followed. Phones lifted discreetly.
"Mr. Voss and his new wife," someone murmured behind them.
Ethan's hand settled on the small of her back. Firm. Guiding. The heat of his palm seeped through silk.
She felt eyes on them. On her.
A waiter passed with champagne. Ethan took two flutes. Handed one to her without asking.
"Smile," he said quietly. "We're happy newlyweds."
She raised the glass to her lips. Bubbles sharp on her tongue. "I'm smiling."
"Not enough."
She turned her head. Met his eyes. "Better?"
His thumb brushed the curve of her spine. Once. Barely there.
"Better."
They moved through the room. Handshakes. Polite nods. Business cards exchanged. Ethan introduced her as "my wife" every time. The word sounded natural coming from him. Too natural.
A woman in red approached. Tall. Blonde. Diamonds at her throat. She smiled at Ethan like she knew him well.
"Ethan," she purred. "You didn't tell me you were married."
He didn't flinch. "It was quick."
The woman turned to Aria. "Congratulations. I'm Sophia. Old friend."
Aria returned the smile. Cool. "Nice to meet you."
Sophia touched Ethan's arm. Lingered. "We should catch up. Like old times."
Ethan's hand tightened on Aria's back. "Another night."
Sophia laughed. Soft. "Of course. Enjoy your evening."
She walked away. Hips swaying.
Aria sipped her champagne. Watched Sophia disappear into the crowd.
"Old friend?" she asked.
"Old business associate."
"A business associate who touches you like that?"
His fingers flexed against her spine. "Jealous?"
She met his eyes. "Curious."
He leaned closer. Mouth near her ear. "You have nothing to be curious about."
His breath brushed her skin. Warm. Intentional.
She turned her face. Their noses almost touched.
"Then why does your hand feel possessive?"
"Because it is."
A beat.
The music shifted. Slower. Strings and piano.
He stepped back. Offered his hand.
"Dance?"
She placed her palm in his.
The dance floor was crowded. Bodies close. Lights low.
He pulled her in. One hand on her waist. The other holding hers against his chest.
She felt his heartbeat. Steady. Strong.
They moved. Slow circles. His thigh brushed hers through the slit in her dress.
She looked up. "People are watching."
"Let them."
His hand slid lower. Settled just above the curve of her hip.
She inhaled. "The contract says public affection only for show."
"This is for show."
His thumb traced a slow circle on her back.
She swallowed. "Feels real."
His eyes held hers. "Does it?"
She didn't answer.
The song ended. Applause rippled around them.
They didn't let go immediately.
Someone called Ethan's name from the side. A board member. Business.
He released her slowly. Fingers trailing down her arm before dropping away.
"Stay close," he said.
She nodded.
He walked off to speak with the man.
Aria moved to the edge of the floor. Found a quiet corner near a pillar. Sipped her champagne. I watched him.
He spoke with authority. Gestured once. The board member nodded.
Sophia appeared again. Slid up beside him. Laughed at something he said. Touched his sleeve.
Aria's grip tightened on the flute.
She turned away. I walked toward the balcony doors.
Cool night air hit her face. Lagos sprawled below. Lights are endless.
She leaned on the railing. Breathed.
Footsteps behind her.
Ethan.
"You left."
"Needed air."
He stopped beside her. Hands in pockets.
"Jealous now?"
She looked at him. "Should I be?"
He stepped closer. Crowded her against the railing without touching.
"No."
His voice was low. Rougher than usual.
She tilted her head. "Then why are you out here?"
"Because you're out here."
Silence stretched.
He lifted a hand. Tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
His fingers lingered at her neck.
Her pulse jumped under his thumb.
"Ethan."
He leaned in. Mouth inches from hers.
The balcony door opened. Laughter spilled out.
He pulled back.
She exhaled. Shaky.
"Inside," he said.
She followed him back.
The rest of the night passed in a blur. More handshakes. More smiles.
When they finally left, the elevator ride down was quiet.
He stood close. Arm brushing hers.
At the penthouse floor, he let her step out first.
She walked to her door. Paused.
"Goodnight."
He stopped behind her. Close enough she felt his heat.
"Aria."
She turned.
His eyes were dark. Focused.
"Next time someone touches me like that," he said quietly, "you don't have to wonder."
She swallowed. "Why not?"
"Because you're the only one I let touch me."
Her breath caught.
He reached past her. Opened her door.
"Go to bed."
She stepped inside.
The door closed.
She leaned against it.
Heart pounding.
The gala had been for show.
But that moment on the balcony hadn't.
And neither had his words.
She pressed her fingers to her lips.
This was getting too close.
And she wasn't sure she wanted to stop it.
- Writer
