The ballroom shimmered.

The golden chandeliers bathed the guests in a soft, amber glow. The tables were dressed in pretty ivory lace, and the hall was perfumed with crushed berries and candle wax. Everything was perfect.

Exactly as I’d planned, and the moment we stepped through the oak doors of the ballroom, I could feel the chill. Everyone stood there and happily watched us as we gracefully made our way to the middle of the room.

Asher's grip on my waist tightened but it felt more for show than affection, and I had to resist the urge to shrug it off.

I stood near the center of it all, chin...