ARIA
The car stopped in front of Valen Tower, and I swear my heart skipped a beat. Photographers lined the entrance and soon cameras flashed everywhere, bright enough to make my eyes sting.
Knox stepped out first. Then he turned and held out his hand. “Stay close,” he said quietly, his voice low enough that only I could hear it.
I took his hand and stepped out. The air was cool, but the flashes were blinding. Whispers followed us — his name, and then mine. Or rather, “Who’s she?”
The wine-colored satin of my gown caught the light. The halter neckline framed my shoulders, the corset cinched my waist, and the slit at my thigh shifted with every step.
Inside the building, the noise faded into soft music and laughter. The place was beautiful — gold lights, tall glass walls, and a crowd d
