still glowing on

our husband isn't w

lot, but there was no one suspicious in sight. The driver opened the car door for her, and

rd to look shaken

a kiss as a weapon in front of hundreds of people, humiliati

ght, as if the world had offended him. Ava sat quietly beside him, her min

telling him either.He'd never admit anything and s

the message under her blanket, trying to make sense of it. She thought about everything she already knew about Damien - whi

was he hiding?And more importantly,why

-

re Damien's assistant, a woman named Cara, showed up

inner tonight. You're expe

od red, backless, and tight enough to cut off her breathing. A

et me give you some advice, Ava. Don't try to get comfortable

s. "Thanks for the advice," she said

. "You'll wi

me." It looked like a palace - marble floors, gold chandeliers, glass s

She didn't smile. She didn't speak. She just looked Ava up a

ty wife," she said co

fr

just handed Eleanor a gift

y? She knows it's not real

e like acid. She didn'

ined them - male

f Damien married her

em. His hair was white, his posture military-straight. He looked po

" he said smoothly. "Do si

nd corporate allies - some Ava recognized from ne

ubtle insults and fake smiles.They asked her questions she wasn't prepared for. About art, finance,

, dear, Damien used to be engaged to a senator's dau

I was a secretary. At

. Some coughed awkwa

anor repeated, amu

he defend her.Ava kept her eyes on

opened and someone une

raised his glass to her at the gala.He walked in l

d, standing up to shake his han

eyes landing on Ava. "Especially after seei

her ski

om her, smiling kindly

s nice to meet you."His eyes h

ght smirk, "Have you che

art st

The message

een them, his expr

his glass. "To f

trembling slightly. "To family.

he warning her?And how dee

s phone buzzes again beneat

He's dangerous. You ne