Chapter 3

The rooftop of the Mercer Gallery was a hidden gem, accessible only through a narrow spiral staircase behind the director's office. A converted industrial space, it had been transformed into a sculpture garden, with pieces arranged among potted olive trees and wrought-iron benches. Strings of warm lights crisscrossed overhead, casting a soft, golden glow over the small crowd that had migrated up from the main party. The night air was cool, carrying the mingled scents of jasmine, city exhaust, and champagne. I could see the Manhattan skyline spread out before us, the lights of midtown glittering like scattered diamonds. I slipped away from the group, needing a moment to collect myself after what had happened in the restoration room. My thighs were still trembling, my body still humming with unspent desire. I found a quiet corner near the edge of the rooftop, where a bronze figure of a woman reached toward the sky, her face tilted up as if catching rain. I leaned against the railing, looking out at the city, trying to steady my breathing. "You can't hide from me up here, princess." His voice came from behind me, low and warm, and I smiled without turning around. I