Chapter 8 - The Gala
The ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton was a blinding sea of crystal chandeliers, flashing camera bulbs, and high-society hypocrisy. Women in designer jewels laughed too loudly while men in expensive tuxedos shook hands and brokered backroom deals that could bankrupt a city.
And then Gabriel Rossi walked in.
With Sadie Hayes on his arm.
The room didn't just quiet down; it froze. Whispers erupted instantly like a wave rolling across sand. Who is she? Where did he find her? Is that a new acquisition?
Sadie’s fingers tightened instinctively around the fabric of her midnight-blue gown. Every instinct screamed at her to turn around and run. But Gabriel’s large, warm hand rested securely over hers, anchoring her to his side.
"Smile," he murmured near her ear, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of her temple. "Let them wonder."
They navigated the room with practiced ease, Gabriel exchanging polite, empty pleasantries with city councilmen and rival bosses alike, while keeping Sadie shielded against his side.
Then, disaster struck.
As they neared the bar area, a man with slicked-back hair and a predatory grin stepped directly into their path. It was Julian Vance—a notoriously vicious rival syndicate boss from the North Side whom Gabriel had been feuding with for months.
"Rossi," Vance purred, his eyes dropping hungrily to Sadie. "I heard you brought a new pet to the party. Very pretty. Where'd you fish her out of? South Philly gutters?"
The temperature in the immediate vicinity plummeted to absolute zero.
Gabriel’s entire body went rigid. The polite smile vanished from his face, replaced by a mask of pure, unadulterated lethal intent. He stepped forward, putting his body between Sadie and Vance, his voice dropping into a terrifying whisper.
"Finish that sentence, Julian," Gabriel said, the promise of bloodshed dripping from every syllable. "I dare you."
May you like
Vance raised his hands defensively, though a nervous sweat broke out across his forehead. "Relax, Rossi. Just making conversation. Didn't know she was off-limits."
"She isn't off-limits," Gabriel snapped coldly. "She's untouchable."
