Chapter 152

SIENNA

The crowd parted around us as if sensing the shift in the air, whispers clinging to sequined gowns and crisp tuxedos like smoke. Gideon’s grip at my back was steady, grounding, but I could feel the sharpness in his stance—the coil of a predator forced into patience.

And then Beatrice Mercer opened her mouth.

“Gideon.” Her voice was venom laced with honey, the kind of sweetness meant to c