The gala was a trap.
Aria realized it the moment she stepped into the Grand Aurelius Hall—lights blazing, cameras flashing, names whispered like currency. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen stars above the city's elite, but beneath the elegance lurked sharp danger.
Dante's hand rested at the small of her back, firm and possessive. "Smile," he murmured close to her ear. "Tonight, we're flawless."
Her lips curved, practiced and false. Inside, her pulse thundered. Every step felt like walking onto a blade.
"This is what you meant by staying close?" she whispered.
"This," Dante replied calmly, "is what keeps you alive."
Eyes tracked them everywhere. Aria felt stripped bare beneath silk and diamonds. Then she saw him—Senator Virelli, glass of champagne in hand, gaze sharp with recognition.
One of the names from the file.
"He knows," she breathed.
"I know," Dante said, without looking.
The music swelled. Applause rippled. Then a smooth, dangerous voice carried across the hall.
"Mr. Moretti," Senator Virelli called. "And your beautiful companion."
Aria felt Dante's body tighten. His smile never wavered.
"Senator," Dante replied. "Enjoying the evening?"
"Immensely," Virelli said. His eyes flicked to Aria. "Trust is a fragile thing, wouldn't you agree?"
Dante's grip on her waist tightened. "Only when people forget who controls it."
Polite laughter followed. The senator moved on—but the threat lingered like smoke.
Minutes later, alarms shrieked.
Security flooded the hall. Guests screamed. A bomb threat—too clean, too fast.
Dante didn't hesitate. He pulled Aria through a restricted corridor, boots pounding marble. Elevators sealed. Power flickered.
"They're testing us," he said. "And watching your reaction."
The doors slid shut behind them.
Back at the penthouse, silence crashed down.
"You used me," Aria said, voice shaking with fury. "You put me on display."
"I put you where they couldn't touch you," Dante snapped. "You think hiding would've saved you?"
She turned—and froze.
Only one bedroom was lit.
"One room?" she asked sharply.
"Security lockdown," Dante said. "All others sealed."
"One bed."
Silence thickened.
"Fine," she said. "But don't think this changes anything."
Hours later, the storm outside intensified. Power flickered again. Aria lay rigid on one side of the bed, fully dressed, back to Dante.
Then her phone vibrated.
Unknown: He won't tell you the whole truth. He was paid to choose who survives.
Her breath caught.
"Dante," she whispered. "Who paid you?"
He went completely still.
Outside, thunder cracked.
Inside, Aria realized the most dangerous enemy might be lying right beside her.