Ezra's POV
I felt Layla shifting slightly beside me as if she were debating pulling away again, but I held my position, locking my arm firmly around her- not merely for effect but because I had wanted to. And right now, whether she admitted it or not, she needed that reassurance.
"Shall we?" I murmured against her ear, loud enough for them to hear. There was a moment's hesitation before she nodded ever so slightly.
I led her through the crowd toward a group of heavyweights- those who counted at this event. Men and women who set market trends, who made or broke reputations with a single word. And I wanted Layla in their company tonight.
Layla was not merely my date here. She was my equal.
The conversation flowed without awkward pauses while I introduced Layla to the circle
