ra'

I massaged my temple and let out a deep breath, closing my eyes in relief. I could still feel myself shaking a little and I tried to calm myself

ammed

vate room. Arms crossed, one eyebrow raised was Rowan. Of course, he was still standing behind me and staring with a croo

sed. "That poor bastard looked like he was

ignoring what he just said, I didn't want to talk

mirked and I looked the other way not wanting him to see my f

othly, pushing off the sink. My ey

my heart race ten times faster. I caught a faint

le thanks wouldn't kill you, you know. For rescuing yo

in the mirror looked pale, like I'd scrubbed my expression clean of e

got it anyway. From your

d my lips staring up at him. "What do you mea

top staring at me like I'm a s

I made a mistake with." I sa

s features. "A mistake? Harsh. Especially from someone who

e?" I blushed, knowing w

Look, thank you for stepping in, but you don't have to play hero. I can handl

." He said shrugging. Then leaned back, resting one hip ag

u a drink as a thank-

nk a bill covers it? Not after you let me see how soft you really

ks heat. "You'

nding this didn't

have time

handle again, this time

after me, voice low and

ust kept walking aw

epped inside, I forced my mouth into a smile I didn't feel.

e you powdering your nose or plott

m line,"

grin turned wicked. "You

. Ordered three more bottles of wine?" I asked raising my

spilling over her shoulders. "I submitted one of your old pieces-remember the garn

h dropped

on everyone's radar?" She screamed as my eyes

edge of the tablecloth. "You entered m

ned!" She held up her phone, showing me the email: a

red b

ing out," she added, practically vi

managed to say, thi

xcited." She point

t. proce

many people wanting to work with you now, we h

at news. Maybe if Kade hadn't tried to as

y. "Blow it off. I've got a few model friend

." I said, trying

y code. Then an email. Then five more. By noon, my inbox looked like a bidding war. Jewel houses I'd only whispered about in my wildest daydreams

ad the email twice, mouth twisting at the irony. Of course they didn't know. Selene would rather die than imagine I co

ain. I hadn't meant to come alone. My grandfather Alpha Quinn, was supposed to walk me but he'd fallen i

ne, open back. Minimal jewelry, just obsidian studs and a ring I'd made my

and newer scandals. I sipped something sparkling, mostly to give my hands something

ight," one whispered. "The gra

one's seen h

al. Just a cover so they do

k-how easy it is to disappear right in front of them. If only they knew the person they were gossi

were turning and my brows raised as I wondered what all of these movements was about. Then I saw them walking in an

gh and they moved through the crowd like royalty, like t

me. And something in her fake perfect smile broke. She didn't wait.I saw t

?" she said and people stopped talking and immediately turned to Selene to know w

nted at me like I was a stain. "Security," she called.

oving as people stared at me, trying to

small clutch under my arm. My heart wasn't racing. Not

ly," she snapped. "Why

vious answer, this wasn't a party wher

ou belong here?" Her voice crac

ist. I looked up in surprised and saw Rowan staring with a displeased expression on his face. Of co

s touch light but deliberate. His other hand slid int

nounced and we felt th

cuse me?" She blurt

The crowd turned like it was a single creature, watching. He tilted his head,

" Selene snapped. "She

," Rowan interrupted smoothly.

gasps and everyone turned to

-" he

ght here, and you're still making eyes at your mi