Chapter 6 - The Gala's EdgeThe opportunity for a public outing came in the form of the annual Manhattan Children’s Hospital Charity Gala. Damian was the largest donor, and his absence would show weakness to his rivals. He insisted Nora and Sofia attend with him, surrounded by an army of guards.
Nora wore a floor-length emerald silk gown that Damian had ordered for her. When she walked down the grand staircase of the estate, Damian looked at her as if she were the only oxygen left in the room.
The gala was held in a massive, glittering ballroom. Sofia wore noise-canceling headphones disguised as a stylish velvet headband, clinging to Nora’s hand.
Halfway through the evening, as Damian was cornered by the mayor, a voice dripped like poison into Nora’s ear.
"Well, well. Look who slept her way out of the Bronx."
Nora turned to see Patricia Hale. The former boutique manager was wearing a cheap dress, holding a tray of champagne. Damian’s destruction of the store had ruined her career, forcing her into catering.
"Patricia," Nora said evenly, shielding Sofia behind her.
"Enjoying the blood money?" Patricia hissed, stepping uncomfortably close. "He's a thug, Nora. A criminal. And when he gets bored of you, you'll be right back in the gutter where I found—"
Patricia didn't get to finish her sentence.
A large hand clamped onto Patricia’s shoulder, the grip so tight she let out a whimpering gasp. Damian stood there, his eyes practically glowing with lethal intent.
"If you speak to my woman again," Damian said, the words low and terrifying, "you won't just lose your job. You will lose your tongue. Walk away."
Patricia fled, dropping the tray of champagne in her terror.
May you like
Nora looked up at Damian, her heart fluttering at the words my woman. But before she could speak, Damian’s earpiece crackled. His face went dead pale.
"Marcus," Damian barked into his cuff. "Get them to the car. Now."
