Elena’s POV
The ballroom was still buzzing, glasses clinking, music soft in the background. I was half-planning my escape when Dax appeared beside me, close enough that I caught the faint scent of his cologne.
His eyes dropped to my collarbone. “The necklace looks better on you than in any showcase I’ve seen.”
I didn’t know whether to thank him or roll my eyes. “That’s because the glass cases don’t breathe. You need to drink the tea, Dax.”
His gaze locked on mine. “You should keep it.”
I laughed sharply. “Right. And I’ll just walk out wearing your property. That won’t make the headlines.”
He set the untouched tea on a nearby table and leaned in, heat darkening his stare.
My pulse kicked, but I angled back. “Don’t.”
His eyes flickered, amused—like my protest was ju
