The tension in the grand ballroom was thick enough to suffocate a human. Jake stood with his large hand extended toward Avery, his piercing green eyes burning with an unyielding command. The midnight-blue silk of the gown he had bought her seemed to ripple like deep water under the crystal chandeliers, a direct defiance against the sleek navy tuxedo of Cole Sterling, whose hand was still locked firmly around Avery's waist.
Cole’s blue eyes flashed a sharp, territorial shade of amber. "She’s my guest tonight, Crescent," Cole said, his voice dropping into a low, menacing register. "You don't get to march in here and dictate where she goes."
Jake didn't even look at him. His focus remained entirely anchored on Avery. "Dance with me."
Avery looked at Jake’s open palm, her mind a chaotic sto
