The black car rolled to a slow, elegant stop in front of a towering luxury hotel, its marble steps glowing under soft golden lights. Two suited valets opened the doors simultaneously. Ava stepped out, heels clicking against polished stone, her breath catching as she looked up.

It was grand.

Gilded chandeliers sparkled from inside. The air was thick with wealth, elegance, and the scent of money.

Damien was at her side in a flash, placing a firm hand on her waist. His grip was more than possessive, it was a silent threat, a warning for her to remember who she belonged to. Ava forced a breath through her lungs as...