The gala was suffocating. Glittering gowns, men in suits worth more than some people’s lives, and a sea of fake smiles masking sharper intentions.

I’d been on Jaxon’s arm all night, the perfect accessory to his dark, controlled power. But the second I slipped away to breathe, I felt him behind me.

“You think you can just walk off?” His voice was a low growl, warm against my ear.

I didn’t turn around. “I think I can do whatever I want.”

The corner of my mouth twitched ...