The Protector
413 Words
The gala was winding down, but the energy in the room was still electric. Sarah had just returned from the balcony when she spotted Victoria again, this time surrounded by a small group of women whose laughter had a sharp edge to it.
As Sarah passed, she heard it — the kind of whisper meant to be overheard.
“Poor thing. She doesn’t belong here.”
“Married him for the money, obviously.”
“Damien will get bored of her in a month.”
Sarah’s spine stiffened. She was ready to ignore it — she’d promised herself not to give these people the satisfaction of seeing her flinch — but then she felt the air shift.
Damien had appeared beside her, his presence commanding enough to silence the group without a word.
He gave them a cool, almost bored smile. “Ladies, I couldn’t help but overhear. Did you know the most dangerous thing in this city is underestimating my wife?”
A hush fell over the cluster of women. Victoria’s smile faltered, but Damien didn’t wait for a response. Instead, he turned to Sarah, offering his arm. “Dance with me.”
The orchestra had just started a slow waltz. Sarah placed her hand in his, feeling the warmth of his palm and the steady strength in his grip. As he led her to the center of the floor, whispers rippled through the room — but this time, they weren’t mocking.
They were watching.
Damien’s movements were precise, his gaze locked on hers as if no one else existed. “You didn’t have to do that,” Sarah murmured.
“Yes, I did,” he replied without hesitation. “You’re mine, Sarah. And I don’t share what’s mine.”
Her heart skipped. She told herself it was just an act for the crowd, another layer of his carefully crafted image. But when his hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her a fraction closer, she wasn’t so sure.
The music slowed to its final notes, and Damien dipped her effortlessly, his face inches from hers. For one breathless second, she thought he might actually kiss her.
But instead, he whispered, “You should know by now — I always protect what’s mine. Even if you don’t understand why.”
When he pulled her upright and led her off the floor, Sarah’s pulse was still racing.
She told herself it was from the dance.
But deep down, she knew better
- Writer
