The morning after the gala, Ava attended a fashion brunch at a rooftop venue. The incident at the gala had made headlines just the way she wanted. She needed to be seen. To smile for people to see she was not shaken by what they did anymore.
She knew what was coming next—her father's wrath, Liam's PR games, and Lily's Fake tears.
She was prepared for all this but this.
It was subtle. Silent.
The chandelier above her began to fall.
But it happened too fast for coincidence.
One moment, she was laughing politely with a designer friend. The next, a blur of movement struck her from the side, knocking her clear just before the massive glass chandelier shattered on the table where she'd been sitting.
Screams. Panic. Chaos.
Elena blinked up at the man who shielded her.
Dante Ashcroft.
"You again?" she breathed, still stunned.
"You're welcome," he said flatly.
He helped her up. Glass crunched beneath his shoes, but not a scratch marked him. People swarmed. Security started asking questions. But Dante had already led her toward the exit.
In the parking garage, she yanked her arm away. "That was not an accident."
"I know," he replied. "That's why I was there."
Ava froze. "You were following me?"
"I was watching you. There's a difference."
She narrowed her eyes. "You think someone wants me dead?"
"I think someone wants you silenced."
A beat of silence. Then he added, "Your father's enemies. Liam's allies. Or maybe your stepsister got tired of waiting for you to crumble."
Elena wrapped her arms around herself. For the first time since the gala, fear crept in.
"Why are you helping me?"
Kael stepped closer. "Because even though you try to deny our bond, Ava. You're mine and I will always protect you."
Her breath caught.
"I don't know what that means," she whispered.
"You will," he said softly. "But for now—you need protection. And I need you alive."
Ava stared at him, heart pounding for reasons that had nothing to do with chandeliers or sabotage.