Chapter 9 - The Charity Gala
The tension in the penthouse shifted after that night. Julian began eating dinner with Clara. He asked about her sister. He listened to her opinions on his hotel operations. Clara realized, terrifyingly, that the ruthless monster was capable of profound gentleness.
Two weeks into her stay, Julian dropped a velvet jewelry box onto the dining table.
"Tonight is the annual Morreti Foundation Charity Gala," Julian announced. "The entire corporate board will be there. So will the Romanos. It's neutral ground."
Clara opened the box. Inside was a blindingly expensive diamond choker. "Why are you giving this to me?"
"Because you are coming with me," Julian said. "You are my executive assistant now. And I need someone watching the room while I speak with the board."
"I don't have a dress for a gala."
Julian smirked. "Check your closet."
Two hours later, Clara stepped out of her bedroom. She wore a bespoke emerald-green gown that clung to every curve of her body, with a daring slit up the thigh. The diamonds sparkled against her skin.
Julian was waiting by the elevator in a tailored black tuxedo. When he saw her, the breath completely left his lungs. He stared at her for a long, agonizing moment, his eyes burning with undisguised hunger.
"You look..." Julian swallowed hard. "You look like a queen."
"I look like a target," Clara corrected nervously.
May you like
Julian stepped forward, gently clasping the diamond choker around her neck. His fingers brushed against her pulse point, sending a jolt of electricity down her spine.
"No one will touch you," Julian whispered in her ear, his breath hot against her skin. "I will slaughter anyone who even looks at you wrong. Let's go catch a rat."
