Emma's Pov
The Gala was a blur of polished surfaces, ruthless ambition, and the overwhelming scent of power. When Damian finally led me out, past the lingering, appraising glances of the city's elite, I felt physically exhausted, yet utterly electrified. The sheer, relentless force of his presence had been a shield and a spotlight, and standing beside him felt like being the center of a hurricane—terrifyingly powerful and strangely still.
The moment we were alone in the back of his sleek black sedan, the intense pressure of the evening lifted. I sank back against the leather seat, closing my eyes for a moment, letting the adrenaline subside. My body felt heavy, weighted down by the velvet dress and the diamonds, yet my mind was racing, replaying every calculated smile, every dangerous whisper.
