Chapter 3 - The Chicago Gala
The ballroom of the Chicago Grand Hotel was dripping in crystal chandeliers and ruthless billionaires.
Ren felt like an imposter in the custom scarlet silk gown Damon had ordered for her.
A massive, flawless diamond engagement ring felt heavy and cold on her left ring finger.
Damon kept his hand firmly on the small of her back, guiding her through the sea of dangerous elites.
He was incredibly protective, never letting her stray more than a few inches from his side.
"You are doing beautifully, darling," he whispered in her ear, his breath sending shivers down her neck.
For a brief, confusing second, Ren actually forgot they were pretending.
The physical chemistry radiating between them was undeniable and overwhelmingly powerful.
Suddenly, the crowd parted to reveal a tall, blond man with a cruel smirk on his face.
Damon's grip on Ren's waist tightened painfully as the man approached.
"Silas," Damon said, his voice dropping to a lethal, icy tone.
"Hello, little brother," Silas replied, his eyes roaming hungrily over Ren's body.
"I see you found another beautiful toy to replace the one you lost in the fire."
Ren remembered the burnt roux in the kitchen and how Damon had reacted to the mention of a house fire.
Damon stepped smoothly in front of Ren, completely shielding her from his stepbrother's vile gaze.
"Walk away, Silas, before I cause a scene that will ruin this entire merger," Damon warned.
Silas laughed mockingly, but he eventually turned and melted back into the elegant crowd.
Damon immediately pulled Ren toward the massive glass doors leading out to the quiet balcony.
The cool night air hit her flushed skin, but her heart was still racing from the dangerous encounter.
Before she could ask what Silas meant, a waiter walked past and subtly slipped a folded napkin into Ren's hand.
May you like
She unrolled it secretly while Damon was distracted by a phone call.
Written in dark red ink were the words: "Damon burned his last fiancée alive, and you are next."
