She Wore No Jewelry to My $10 Million Gala—Then She Whispered, “There’s Someone You Haven’t Noticed.”

We slipped away from the noise of the gala, stepping out onto the private observation terrace on the roof of the Halcyon Grand.

The blizzard had passed, leaving behind a crisp, crystal-clear November night. Above us, the stars shone brightly against the dark velvet sky, while below, the lights of Chicago stretched out like an endless sea of diamonds along the frozen curve of Lake Michigan.

Mara leaned against the stone balustrade, looking out at the skyline. The cool breeze played with the strands of her dark hair.

"Finn told me the federal prosecutors signed off on full immunity for your past intelligence work," I said, leaning beside her, our shoulders gently touching. "Your record is completely clean, Mara. You're a free woman."

She turned her head to look at me, her gray-green eyes reflecting the city lights. "I haven't been truly free since I was eighteen years old. It feels strange not having to look for the nearest exit."

"Then don't look for exits anymore," I said, reaching out to cover her hand with mine on the cold stone. "Stay."

She looked down at our joined hands. "Stay as what? Your head of security? Your risk consultant?"

"Stay as my partner," I replied, my voice filled with an earnestness I had never felt before. "Stay as the woman I can't imagine living without."

Mara looked up into my eyes, her breath hitching slightly. "Dante... my world is dangerous. I’m not a socialite who goes to country clubs and charity auctions."

"Good," I said, stepping closer and wrapping my arms around her waist, pulling her gently against me. "Because I don't want a socialite. I want the woman who saved my life without wearing a single diamond. I want the woman who saw through the lies when no one else could."

Mara let out a soft, breathy laugh, resting her hands against my chest, right over my hammering heart.

"You're impossible, Dante," she murmured.