The ballroom pulsed with lights, music, and laughter, but I felt none of it. My eyes were locked on him. I had glimpsed him before and how the woman danced against his body, making my heart twist with jealousy. I plotted how to get to him, but then the host stepped onto the stage, clearing his throat. The chatter went down instantly, and I felt the room shrink around me.

“Tonight’s event is made possible thanks to one of our biggest sponsors…” His eyes scanned the crowd, and I felt them graze mine, fleetingly, as though he already knew I was watching. “Darius”

The name landed in my chest like...