The Charity Ball
The Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel glittered like a jewelry box: crystal chandeliers dripping light, champagne flutes catching it like stars, gowns in every shade of money. The annual Winter Hearts Gala raised millions for pediatric cancer research, but everyone knew the real currency tonight was power.
Ava stepped off Lucian’s arm and felt every eye in the room turn.
The dress he’d chosen was liquid gold, backless to the base of her spine, necklace plunging just enough to make conversation dangerous. Diamonds glittered at her neck, his mother’s, he’d said quietly while fastening the clasp, as if that made them less of a collar. She looked like a queen. She felt like a sacrifice.
Lucian’s hand settled at the small of her back, fingers splayed wide, branding her thro
