Chapter 4

The heavy velvet curtains of the private nook had been drawn, sealing us off from the remaining hum of the gala. Outside, the ice rink was a glittering expanse of white under the chandeliers, skaters gliding like ghosts in the distance, but in here, the air was thick with the scent of melting snow, expensive perfume, and the faint, crisp chill that clung to the walls. It was late. The staff had cleared the tables, leaving only the low-slung leather banquettes and the floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out onto the frozen pond. Strings of warm, amber holiday lights were woven into the faux pine garlands draped along the ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow over the scene, creating a cocoon of warmth against the winter night. I sat on the edge of the plush leather seat, my legs crossed at the knee, feeling the cool air of the room kiss my bare thighs through my silk slip. I had shed my coat and blazer, leaving me in just the delicate lingerie and sheer tights I’d worn underneath, a secret layer against the cold that felt scandalously exposed under his gaze. He stood by the window, watching the ice skaters, his