Chapter 7 No.7

The Metropolitan Museum of Art was transformed. towering floral arrangements, endless champagne, the flashing lights of the paparazzi. Angelina smiled until her jaw ached. She held onto Brittain's arm, a perfect accessory in red silk.

They were seated at a prime table. When Angelina saw the place cards, a chill ran down her spine. Harrison Juarez. Placed directly to her right. This was no accident. The seating chart was a declaration of war, and Harrison had fired the first shot.

He was wearing a tuxedo that fit him like a second skin. He didn't look at her when they sat down. He was talking to a senator, charming and dangerous.

Dinner was served. Brittain was droning on about his yacht. Angelina kept her hands in her lap, staring at her salad.

"Mrs. Kane," Harrison said suddenly.

She looked up. He was holding a bread basket. "Roll?"

"No, thank you," she said.

"You should eat," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "You need your strength."

Under the table, something brushed against her knee.

Angelina jumped slightly. Brittain looked at her. "What?"

"Nothing," she said quickly. "Static."

Harrison took a sip of his wine, his face a mask of polite disinterest. But under the long tablecloth, his hand moved. It slid up her calf, warm and rough against her skin. His fingers hooked around the back of her knee.

Angelina stopped breathing. They were surrounded by hundreds of people. Brittain was right there.

Harrison's hand moved higher, his thumb tracing circles on the inside of her thigh.

"So, Brittain," Harrison said, his voice smooth, "how is the merger going?"

Brittain launched into a monologue. Harrison nodded, pretending to listen, while his hand inched higher, teasing the hem of her dress.

Angelina gripped her fork so hard it bent. She couldn't move. If she pulled away, she'd make a scene.

Harrison squeezed her thigh firmly, once, then withdrew his hand.

He raised his glass to her. A silent toast.

Angelina grabbed her water glass and drained it. Her heart was beating so fast she thought she might pass out. This wasn't just revenge. This was madness.