Aidan leaned against the cold marble railing on the second floor, one elbow hooked lazily over the edge as he gazed down at the vast lobby below. Crystal chandeliers spilled warm light across the hall, catching on diamonds, sequins, and polished leather shoes.
The place was packed to the brim. Women glided past in dazzling gowns and men stood in small clusters with champagne flutes in hand, every smile plastic and every laugh carefully pitched.
It was noisy, but in a restrained way. The kind of noise that came from money and power rubbing shoulders.
Aidan lifted his glass and took a sip, the amber liquid burning faintly as it slid down his throat. His eyes narrowed, sharp and calculating, as the crooked smirk on his face deepened.
