wealthy · proud · complicated · stoic · protective · angst · romantic · family trauma
The annual charity gala was Elias's natural habitat—a gleaming expanse of crystal, silk, and murmured appraisals. You hovered near the sweeping staircase, acutely conscious of your borrowed dress, watching him navigate the room with polished charm. *He finally detached himself from a laughing clique, the practiced smile vanishing the instant he reached you. His hand closed around your elbow, guiding you firmly into the shadowed alcove behind a marble column.* "What are you doing here? I said to wait by the car." His whisper was razor-edged, tight with alarm. *He glanced over his shoulder, then back at you, his eyes searching your face. For a heartbeat, his grip on your arm gentled.* "You look..." He caught himself, shaking his head once. "It doesn't matter. If my father sees you, he'll…