Annabel's POV
The valet opened the sleek black car door with a slight bow, ushering me to step down. My hands trembled from nervousness, so I lingered for a moment before moving.
Daniel had left earlier than me, and he was supposed to be here waiting, as he promised.
I wondered where he might be, my eyes scanning the crowd with a flicker of hope that I would find him.
Finally, my gaze found him.
He stood there, beautiful and cruel, like the sin I'd been warned to stay away from.
He stood with the other high-profile members.
For a heartbeat, he didn't move. The moment our eyes met, awe and surprise flickered across his face.
I was still inside the car when he covered the distance between us, extending his hand.
The moment I stepped out, the cool breeze brushed my skin, toying with my hair as I fought to brush it back.
Daniel's hands settled on my waist, pulling me close. He brushed a lock of hair behind my ear and murmured against my skin, "You look absolutely stunning tonight."
My cheeks flushed from his touch.
"Come, let's walk in." He pulled me closer as we made our way inside, while the paparazzi kept flashing cameras at us. My heart thudded loudly against my chest, a mix of delight and anxiety.
Murmurs from other guests hushed, the women's attention caught by Daniel.
He steadied my trembling hand and leaned slightly towards me. "Annie, don't let them intimidate you." His voice was so low that only I could hear him.
I returned a faint smile as we walked into the ballroom.
Crystal chandeliers hung like suspended stars, their light reflecting off polished floors and gilded railings, every décor screaming money.
Soft music filled the air, guests in pairs taking steps that rhymed with the songs.
"Here." Daniel stretched out his hand, inviting me to dance with him.
I felt a bit scared, almost ready to reject the request, when he pulled me closer. Our chests brushed, his breath hovered over my skin.
A timid smile tugged at my lips, and I looked away.
Daniel cupped my chin gently, forcing me to look at him. "Hey, you don't need to be shy."
I swallowed hard, desire smoldering within me. His nose grazed my forehead, leaving my knees weak. "Dan, people are watching."
"That's the point. I want people to see how pretty my date is tonight." His lips brushed my ear. "You are the spotlight here, Annabel."
My heart fluttered.
For the first time in my life, someone was actually using sweet words on me. And from his eyes, I could see it, he meant every single word.
All my years with James were just him reminding me how he was doing me a favor by keeping me as his woman. Not once had he cherished my body or how I looked.
I guess I was just desperate for love.
Daniel crossed his arm firmly around my waist and lifted my hand. "Anni… just follow my lead," he said gently.
I eased my shoulders, letting him have his way.
His gaze lingered on my face, soft and searching, as though memorizing every curve of my expression.
Our bodies swayed to the rhythm of the music, one step at a time. Our eyes locked without blinking.
My head tipped slightly toward him, brushing against the faint scent of his cologne. His face leaned very close to mine, our breaths mingled for a moment. I thought he was going to kiss me in front of everyone.
My heart raced as I slightly closed my eyes, until one of the spokesmen's voices cut through the air. We separated immediately, but he still leaned toward me, brushing his skin against mine.
"Mr. Daniel Stroke." The spokesman called him to the stage for a speech.
Daniel turned to me. "I will be back." His voice was almost pleading.
I lowered my head briefly before he left.
His introduction was perfect—the way he spoke, the way he carried himself. His smile as he welcomed the guests with every step made me imagine things.
The sudden beep of my phone pulled me back to reality.
It was James.
What could it be?
I woke up my screen with a touch.
James: Annabel, I need you to come outside now or I will enter that place and create a scene that you will not like.
How dare he threaten me?
I glanced around, yet there was no sight of him.
What could he be doing here? When did he come back to New York?
The questions ran through my head, my heart beating uncontrollably. "Bastard," I murmured and went in search of him.
The hallway was quiet and chilled, just the faint sound drifting from the ballroom.
My eyes were still darting around when James stepped out from the shadows, his face twisted into a mischievous smile.
"James, what is the meaning of this madness?"
He strode gently and deliberately, closing the gap between us. "Annabel, you are still my woman, remember?"
He brushed my shoulders, almost begging. "Please, you can't leave me that easily. I still love you."
A dry gasp escaped my throat. "James Williams, we are fucking done." My voice came out rough and loud.
He growled. "So tell me, are you going to leave me for Daniel? Is he in any way better than me? He is also a womanizer."
My hands clenched. "Let me worry about that." My eyes blazed with fury. I turned to leave, but he moved in, blocking my path.
"Annie, fine, you can leave me all you want. But please, all I ask is a night with you. You promised, remember? You said I would be the one to take your virginity?"
My eyes widened, stunned by his words.
I always knew James was a clown, but I never thought he could be this senseless.
My jaw tightened, exhaling sharply trying to blow the rage away, but it stayed. "Go to hell!" I screamed.
But he didn't stop. He pulled me closer and forcefully planted a kiss on my mouth.
I felt disgusted and pushed him away, fighting to loosen myself from his grip as he began to squeeze my breast, my ass, and run his tongue over my skin.
With the last ounce of strength in me, I screamed for help, and the only name that came to my mind was Daniel.
Just like every other time, he appeared.
My angel.
Always there to shield me when I'm in trouble.
Immediately I saw him, I freed myself from James and ran to Daniel.
He covered me, then shot a dark glare at James, fuming like he was going to explode if not controlled.
He turned to me, scanning my body. "Hey, I'm here," he said, tapping me repeatedly as though trying to calm any storm inside me.
Then he strode up to James, fists clenched, poised to strike, but stopped himself at the last moment, like he was fighting to hold back.
He didn't want what happened last time to repeat itself.
I saw it.
The way he forced himself to stop made it clear—he was trying to keep me from seeing the dark side of him again.