Georgia's hand trembled slightly against the pearls, her mind slipping back to the suffocating fear Raymond once brought her. She quickly lowered her gaze, hoping to shake the memory off. But before she could blink the dread away, a firm, familiar touch slid against her shoulder.
Nick.
He leaned down just enough for his voice to reach only her, the low rumble of it grounding her instantly. "Don't look at him, love. Look at me."
Georgia's breath caught, and when she tilted her chin upward, her eyes collided with Nick's stormy gaze. Gone was the easy charm he'd worn on stage earlier.
His jaw was tight, his eyes sharp, and his hand at her back tightened possessively, as though daring anyone in the ballroom to challenge him for what was his.
