a glittering web of lights. The Meatpacking District was pulsing with

ainst the velvet ropes. People were begging

lled up to the curb

pair of stiletto he

stepp

ng back exposed her spine, a graceful line of pale skin. Her new hai

g. You look like a movie star who just

ked. The ni

ooked at his clipboard. He didn't recognize her face, but

his way

oor, up a spiral staircase to the VVIP balcony. It was

She crossed her legs, the slit of he

champagne arrived wi

k at it. She look

he said. I want conversation

ing, Alex is going to hav

on her tongue. He is probably at the hosp

ub's "atmosphere models"-men paid to be charming, handsome, and at

n. He lit a cigarette for her. She didn't smoke, but she held

ted. The crowd at the entra

Vance ma

gone. He looked like a thundercloud. Behind him trailed Bra

atory intensity. He had come here to blow o

ooke

he VVIP

n dress. He saw

something that made her throw her head back and laugh.

her. He thought she was just

t hit her glasses-no, she wasn't wearing

el

from his lip

and unfamiliar. He told himself it was anger at her recklessne

ar the woman's bare shoulder, the anger

rushing past the security g

ce, you

exander

rope aside and step

d to fade into

look guilty. She took a slow drag from the

. He wasn't looking at Evely

d at each other

y. She nodded. Give

lence in the air. It was just Evel

. The short hair. The red lips. The dress that revealed

naked, he said. H

. I'm dressed for the occasion. An

He reached out and grabbed her wr

nd on her skin. Then sh

re with you, Alexande

and back. The mo

red at her, and for the first time, he realized he

emanded, gesturing to the cham

what bothers you? That I can

hat my wife is

her eyes flashing. You don't