ARIA’S POV
“You never told me this was a public event.”
My heart climbed into my throat. The driver parked in front of a beautiful hall with a domed roof. Outside, I could see people with cameras snapping at every guest who walked the red carpet into the building.
Damien sighed. “You would think a family dinner would be private. Mother is up to her tricks, I see.”
My words tangled in my throat. I watched Damien, his gaze tense and restless, scanning the endless procession of dazzlingly dressed guests. A flicker of worry darted across his face, then vanished beneath his calm.
“Are all of them family?” I asked.
Damien nodded. His mouth was set in a thin line.
He turned to look at me. There was a hint of apology in his grey eyes; his face hadn’t changed.
“Shall we?”
I took a deep bre
