"The Garner Foundation Gala is tonight," he said, his eyes lingering where her hand held the silk closed. "Marissa will be here at ten with your dress. I expect you to be perfect."
Ice flooded her veins. One week. That's all he'd given her. Tonight marked the end of her reprieve.
He closed the distance between them, his lips brushing her ear. "And after tonight, you'll be wearing much less than that." His fingers pried her hand away, exposing her breast. He licked his lips, "I wouldn't rush this."
"I'll be ready," she managed, hating how her voice shook.
"See that you are." He stepped back, adjusting his platinum cufflinks. "The car will be waiting at seven. Don't disappoint me."
❧
"You look... stunning."
For once, Sebastian sounded like he meant it. Olivia stepped out in the midnight blue silk gown Marissa had chosen-a dress that hugged every curve with its plunging back leaving her feeling both powerful and naked.
"I feel like I'm wearing your brand," she said, the diamonds at her throat-another Blackwood "gift"-catching the light.
"You are." His eyes darkened as he approached, his hand claiming the small of her back. "And tonight, everyone will know it."
When they arrived, camera flashes exploded around them as Sebastian stepped out and offered his hand.
"Smile," he ordered, squeezing her fingers until it hurt. "Remember what's at stake."
Her smile felt like plastic as they climbed the steps. Reporters fired questions about their whirlwind romance, their private ceremony, how it felt to be Mrs. Blackwood. Sebastian charmed them effortlessly while she froze beside him.
Inside, the Great Hall had been transformed into a fantasy of crystal and white orchids. New York's elite clustered in groups-old money, new money, political power, and cultural influence-all orbiting around the financial gravity of men like Sebastian.
"Sebastian, darling!" A woman's voice sliced through the chatter, rich with familiarity.
Olivia felt Sebastian tense, the only indication that the approaching woman was significant. Tall, statuesque, with platinum blonde hair twisted into an architectural creation that defied gravity, the newcomer moved with the confidence of someone who had never been denied anything.
"Isadora." Sebastian's voice stayed neutral, but his fingers dug into Olivia's waist. "I wasn't aware you were in New York."
"Clearly." Ice-blue eyes dismissed Olivia before returning to Sebastian. "I've been away too long if you've had time to acquire... new interests."
"Meet my wife, Olivia," Sebastian said.
"Wife?" Isadora's perfect face froze for a heartbeat before rearranging themselves into something approximating delight. "Thought it was all rumor. How... impulsive of you, Sebastian. I never thought I'd see the day."
"Life is full of surprises," Sebastian replied smoothly, though Olivia noticed his jaw had tightened.
"Indeed it is."
Isadora's eyes traveled the length of Olivia's body without bothering to disguise her assessment. "So this is what finally tamed the shark." She laughed. "Or have you just found a prettier leash, darling? Someone you think could replace me?"
Before Sebastian could respond, a voice cut through the tension. "You'll have to forgive Isadora, Mrs. Blackwood. She's still bitter about being relegated to the past tense."
Olivia turned to find a distinguished older man with silver hair and sharp eyes that missed nothing. "Richard Garner," he introduced himself, taking her hand. "I've heard fascinating things about you."
"All lies, I'm sure," she replied, surprising herself with her steady voice.
Richard smiled. "On the contrary. Anyone who can make Sebastian Blackwood commit to something other than a hostile takeover deserves my attention."
Sebastian's arm snaked around her waist, warning her. Richard was among the few who dared challenge Sebastian in this city. But Sebastian didn't consider him a threat. Not yet.
"Richard is being modest. His foundation's work with children's education is unparalleled."
"Along with his ability to extract donations from even the most reluctant philanthropists," Isadora added with a predatory smile. "Speaking of which, Sebastian, I need to discuss the Axiom merger with you. In private."
Sebastian's jaw tightened. "Now is hardly the time-"
"Now is exactly the time," Isadora insisted, her hand already on his arm. "Unless you want Raphael Graves to know about the structural weaknesses in the Singapore proposal? That would certainly burn your chances of taking over! Adding to this..." Her finger pointed dismissively at Olivia.
❧
Something shifted in Sebastian's eyes, that familiar darkness she'd come to dread.
"Excuse us for a moment," he told Olivia, his voice making it clear she was to sit, stay, behave.
Olivia watched Isadora lead him away, her hand sliding down to grab his ass like she owned him. Olivia felt a rush of nausea. Richard Garner watched the exchange with knowing eyes.
"First rule of surviving here," he said quietly, "is figuring out who's an ally and who's a predator." He paused. "Sebastian's always been both." He offered Olivia a glass of champagne. "How are you holding up, truly?"
The unexpected kindness in his tone nearly broke her. "I'm fine," she lied.
"Honey, no one married to Sebastian Blackwood is 'fine,'" Richard replied. "Especially not someone with your... circumstances."
Her blood ran cold. "What circumstances?"
Richard's eyes softened. "Your father's legal troubles. Pearson Innovations' miraculous recovery. The timing of your marriage. He gestured around. "These people make it their business to know what they shouldn't."
Before she could respond, Richard glanced over her shoulder and frowned. "It seems Isadora is being particularly bold tonight. If you'll excuse me, there are others I should greet."
Olivia turned to see Isadora practically climbing Sebastian in a corner, her lips against his ear, her body pressing against his in a way that left no doubt about their history. Rather than push her away, Sebastian's hand rested on her hip, as she whispered something that made his eyes darken with what could only be desire.
Sick with humiliation, Olivia slipped away toward the ladies' room, desperate for a moment's escape. The bathroom was empty when she entered. She gripped the cool sink, breathing deeply to control the tears threatening to spill.
"You shouldn't be alone at your coming-out party," a familiar voice said from behind her.
