Chapter 6 - Dancing in the Storm
Gabriel extended his hand toward Claire, bowing slightly. "May I have this dance, Miss Whitmore?"
Claire looked at the massive dance floor where wealthy couples were gliding effortlessly. "Gabriel... I don't know how to waltz. I'm going to step on your feet."
"I am a strong man, Claire," Gabriel said with a rare, devastating smile. "I think my feet will survive."
He took her hand and led her to the center of the ballroom. The crowd parted to give them space.
Gabriel placed his right hand firmly on her waist, his large palm pressing through the soft velvet of her dress, while his left hand enveloped hers. Claire placed her hand on his broad shoulder, feeling the hard, unyielding muscle beneath his tuxedo jacket.
"Follow my lead," Gabriel whispered, stepping forward.
At first, Claire was stiff, terrified of making a mistake. But Gabriel moved with an incredible, effortless grace, guiding her body with clear, gentle pressure. Within seconds, Claire relaxed, trusting his strength completely. They swirled beneath the glittering chandeliers, a vision of deep emerald velvet and dark charcoal elegance.
"You see?" Gabriel murmured, his eyes locked onto hers, burning with an emotion so deep it took her breath away. "You belong everywhere you step, Claire."
"Only when I'm with you," Claire admitted softly, her heart overflowing.
The waltz ended to polite applause from the crowd, but before Gabriel could lead Claire back to their table, Marcus stepped onto the floor, his face pale and urgent.
He leaned in close to Gabriel, whispering frantically. "Boss... we have a breach at the west gate. It's Marcone's brother, Victor. He brought twelve heavily armed men. They cut the main power lines."
At that exact moment, the grand chandeliers flickered and died.
The entire ballroom was plunged into pitch-black darkness. Screams of terror erupted from the high-society guests as women dropped their glasses and men panicked.
Gabriel’s reaction was instantaneous.
He didn't panic. He pulled Claire fiercely into his chest, wrapping his massive body around her like a human shield, his arm locking around her waist while his other hand drew a sleek black pistol from his shoulder holster.
"Marcus! Get my mother and Lily to the panic room now!" Gabriel barked into the dark, his voice carrying absolute authority over the chaos.
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"Gabriel!" Claire gasped, her hands clutching his lapels in the pitch black.
"I have you," Gabriel rasped into her hair, his heart beating a fast, steady rhythm against her cheek. "I will not let anything happen to you."
