Chapter 7 - The Viper's Den
The annual Sterling Foundation Charity Gala was the most important social event of the year. It was also Harper’s absolute worst nightmare.
Hundreds of New York's wealthiest elite filled the ballroom of the Plaza Hotel. Harper wore a breathtaking, deep emerald gown that left her shoulders bare, the massive diamond on her finger catching the light with every movement. Julian was by her side, a terrifyingly handsome anchor in a sea of sharks.
"Keep smiling," Julian murmured into her ear, his hand resting firmly on the small of her back. "Marcus is watching from the VIP tables. Don't look at him."
Harper nodded, taking a sip of champagne to calm her nerves. "I'm fine. Just point me toward the wealthy people you need me to charm."
Halfway through the evening, Harper excused herself to the powder room. She needed five minutes of silence away from the judging stares.
She was washing her hands when the heavy oak door swung open.
Victoria Kensington walked in.
Julian’s ex-fiancée was undeniably stunning, wearing a sheer red dress that left very little to the imagination. She looked Harper up and down with an expression of pure, unadulterated disgust.
"So, you're the charity case," Victoria sneered, leaning against the marble sinks. "I have to admit, Julian works fast. I break his heart, and he picks up a stray from the gutter to save his ego."
Harper slowly dried her hands, her heart pounding. "Victoria, right? Julian mentioned you."
"Did he?" Victoria laughed mockingly. "Did he mention that he's still obsessed with me? That this little stunt is just to make me jealous? Enjoy the clothes and the jewelry, sweetheart. Because the second the board is satisfied, he's throwing you right back to the slums."
Harper turned to face the heiress. She didn't shrink. Growing up on the streets of Queens had taught her how to handle bullies long before she met billionaires.
"He didn't mention any of that, actually," Harper said, her voice eerily calm, channeling Julian's icy demeanor. "He just mentioned that you were boring in bed and terrible with money. I assume Dominic is already tired of paying your credit card bills?"
Victoria’s face contorted in absolute fury. "You little bitch—"
"Watch your tone," Harper interrupted, stepping forward, her eyes flashing with dangerous authority. "You are speaking to Julian Sterling's wife. You threw away an empire for a cheap affair, Victoria. You are yesterday's trash. Do not ever speak to me again, or I will have security throw you out onto Fifth Avenue."
Victoria stood frozen, her mouth opening and closing in shock.
Harper turned and walked out of the powder room.
As the door swung shut, Harper bumped directly into a solid wall of muscle. It was Julian. He had been standing right outside the door. He had heard every single word.
Harper panicked for a second. "Julian, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—"
Julian grabbed her hand, dragging her down the hallway into a private, empty alcove. He slammed her gently against the silk-lined wall, his eyes burning with a dark, intense fire she had never seen before.
"You told her I said she was boring in bed?" Julian asked, his voice rough.
"I... I panicked," Harper breathed, her chest heaving. "I just wanted to hurt her ego."
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Julian let out a low groan, his hands framing her face. "You magnificent, terrifying creature," he whispered.
And then he kissed her. It wasn't for the cameras. It wasn't a show. It was a punishing, desperate kiss that devoured her completely. Harper melted against him, her hands tangling in his dark hair as he kissed her until neither of them could breathe.
