our. Crystal chandeliers dripped from the ceiling, casting

through the se

k blazer. Her left hand was heavily bandaged in white gauze. She clutc

a crow in a ca

om. It didn't take

rown back. Beside him, Aspen Schneider preened. She wore a silver gown that clung to

eep breath. Just

parted for her, not out of respect, b

she said when s

shed instantly. His eyes rake

y. "And underdressed. This i

y," Jocelyn said flatly. "

nded the

ink, looking bored. "Put them on the tab

Jocelyn. It wasn't a friendly light; it was the

arling!" As

nveloping Jocelyn in

, pulling back but keeping her hands

k, trying to diseng

's bandaged hand. "Oh no, what

ident," Joce

xclaimed loudly. Heads tu

t, Aspen grabbed her inju

n, do

ng directly into Jocelyn's

nails directly into th

for a second. A wave of nausea crashed over her, and the glittering ballroom

hissed through gritted te

"But I'm just worried! You need to b

drink. "Aspen is being nic

le. It felt like fire

d back violently, a re

uck a passing

as

r like a gunshot. Champagne sprayed everywhere-over the wait

silent. The musi

er mouth in a perfect performance

rward, his face d

he demanded, his voice e

er throbbing hand to her chest. She looked around.

story. The clumsy, bitter e