Berlin took a shaky breath. What happens now? Now we end this. Zire’s expression hardened into something cold and terrifying.
Kendrick thinks he’s getting away with it. Thinks he can wait for another opportunity to finish what he started.
His hands tightened on hers. At the gala, I’m going to expose him in front of everyone.
And he’s going to spend the rest of his life paying for what he did.
Berlin thought about the man who had smiled at her wedding, who had asked too many questions, who had watched her with cold, calculating eyes.
He had tried to kill the man she loved. “Good,” she said fiercely. “Destroy him.”
Zire’s smile was sharp enough to cut glass. With pleasure. The night of the gala arrived.
Berlin stood in front of her mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back. Her gown was emerald green silk, Zier’s choice that clung to her curves and flowed like water when she moved.
Diamonds glittered at her ears and throat. Her hair was swept up in an elegant twist that showed off her graceful neck, and around her neck beside the diamonds hung the golden locket.
She touched it gently. The child of strength walks forward. Tonight she would need all that strength.
A knock came at her door. Come in. Zire entered and Berlin’s breath caught. He was devastating in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo.
The jacket emphasized his broad shoulders. The crisp white shirt contrasted beautifully with his dark skin.
He had gotten a fresh haircut and his jaw was clean shaven for once, revealing the sharp angles of his face.
He looked like a king preparing for battle. His eyes traveled over her slowly. And something hot flickered in their depths.
“You look incredible,” he said, his voice rough. “So do you.” Berlin crossed the room and straightened his already perfect tie.
“Are you ready?” “I’ve been ready for months.” His hands settled on her waist. “The question is, are you?”
Berlin thought about everything they had been through. The lies, the manipulation, the monsters disguised as family.
And she thought about what they had found in spite of it all. Love, home, each other.
I’m ready, she said. Zire kissed her, soft and sweet and full of promise. “Then let’s go show Philadelphia who they’re dealing with.”
The ballroom was magnificent. Crystal chandeliers scattered rainbow light across a sea of designer gowns and tailored tuxedos.
An orchestra played elegant melodies. Champagne towers sparkled like liquid gold. And every single person stopped talking when Zir Langston walked in on his own two feet holding the hand of a stunning woman in emerald green.
The whispers started immediately. He’s walking. How is that possible? Who is that woman? She’s gorgeous.
Is that really the thorn girl? She looks completely different. Berlin lifted her chin and smiled.
Let them whisper. She had faced worse than gossip. Zire guided her through the crowd, introducing her to senators, CEOs, old money families.
He kept her close, a hand on her waist, an arm around her shoulders, constant casual contact that marked her as his.
And Berlin noticed that he watched the room constantly searching for Kendrick. They found him near the bar.
Zire’s cousin was dressed impeccably as always. Perfect suit, perfect smile, eyes that tracked their movement with predatory interest.
When Kendrick saw them looking, he raised his champagne glass in a mock toast. Berlin suppressed a shudder.
Soon, Zire murmured in her ear, “Just a little longer.” She nodded, her heart pounding.
