Standing in front of the mirror in Jim's bedroom, I admired the way my long, sequined black dress wrapped around my body, accentuating my cleavage. The thin straps, bare back, and thigh-high slit made the gown look even sexier.

My breath caught in my throat at the sight of Jim behind me. It was the third time I'd seen him in a suit, and just like the first two, it was impossible not to stare.

He erased the distance between us in a couple of strides and slid his arms around my waist.

"Beautiful." Jim kissed my shoulder and the column of my neck, exposed thanks to the low bun the stylist pulled my hair into.

"Thank you." I angled my head to brush my lips against his, careful not to smear the lipstick. A frustrated groan Jim let out told me it wasn't enough for him.

"You look stunning, baby," he said, moving his hands up my arms until they paused at my biceps. "Nervous?"

I'd had enough time to panic and imagine all kinds of disastrous scenarios, such as tripping over and falling in my four-inch heels, spilling the drink on myself, saying something stupid, or running into Tasha. The latter was a given since she'd be there, but I hoped to avoid her.

"A little." I sighed, turning around.

Jim kissed my forehead. "Don't be. It's gonna be alright. We'll eat delicious food, dance, and have fun at the most important cultural event of the year. You might even run into some of your favorite writers."

I narrowed my eyes. "Wait, for real?"

"Yeah," Jim said. "I have no clue who's in attendance other than some of my fellow musicians and the actors I know, but it's likely. I want you to enjoy the gala, okay?"

"Okay." I laced my fingers through Jim's. "I'm ready."

The warm evening air hit my flushed face when we stepped out of the apartment complex. A limousine idled by the curb, and the driver opened the door for us.

Jim helped me inside first and took a seat beside me. His arm wrapped around my shoulders protectively as the vehicle pulled into traffic.

Lit-up buildings flashed behind the limo windows on our way downtown. The view of the night city and the relaxing movements of Jim's fingertips tracing patterns on my bare skin helped me get rid of some of the tension.

When the car stopped, nervous shivers coursed through me.

"Ava." Jim cupped my face. "Just hold my hand, breathe, and smile. It's gonna be alright. I won't leave your side unless I absolutely have to."

I pecked his lips. "Okay."

A commotion and camera flashes greeted us as soon as our feet touched the red carpet. Jim's thumb glided over the back of my hand when we took the first couple of steps.

Despite the nerves wreaking havoc on me, I couldn't help smiling because we were at a gala together for the first time.

Jim moved with ease, greeting people with a smile and answering questions of some paparazzi he seemed to know.

We were a shy couple of feet away from the hotel entrance when he halted. "Ava."

My lips parted, but the answer never left them. Jim dipped me, and his mouth covered mine in a shameless, greedy kiss in front of hundreds of people and cameras while my fingers dug into his biceps, needing something to hold on to.

"I love you," he whispered against my lips. Straightening up, I clutched his hand in mine, my breathing still irregular from the unexpected display of affection.

Jim lifted my hand to his lips and placed a kiss on the back of it. He kept his arm on my waist this time, squeezing me reassuringly. When my eyes met his, it was as if he silently asked me whether I was mad.

I shook my head. The wink Jim gave me tempted me to do something daring too as payback for his gesture, but the multitude of guests around us distracted me.

I'd never seen so many celebrities together. Their dazzling outfits blurred into a colorful kaleidoscope, making it hard to look away.

The realization that I was a part of it now hit me when several paparazzi called my name, asking me to show my dress. I sent a mental thank you to Riley for spending the previous evening teaching me how to pose and look good.

Surreal as it was, it took us half an hour to finally go up the wide staircase leading to the art and fashion exhibition.

"And the guys?" I asked Jim, accepting a glass of champagne he gave me.

"Must be somewhere downstairs," he said. "But look who's here."

Riley and Noah made their way toward us, holding hands.

"You look spectacular." Riley gaped at me.

My cheeks heated. "So do you."

She smoothed a hand over her delicate beige dress. "I look almost underdressed, not gonna lie. It's so colorful this year."

"It suits you," I said.

Noah kissed Riley's temple. "It really does. Someone over there is calling you, Riles."

"Later." Riley gave my arm a little squeeze and followed Noah to the opposite side of the hall.

Jim and I wandered around the exhibition, sipping champagne and stopping to look at the pieces that called our attention the most.

When dinner started, Jason, Fin, and Nick joined us at the table reserved for the band. The host of the event strode to the small stage to give a welcome speech. Another person took the microphone afterward to talk about the history of the gala and new exhibits.

My gaze traveled around the room, pausing at the flower arrangements on the round tables and then on several faces I'd only seen on TV. A familiar blonde caught my eye. I looked away, and lucky for me, the sound of clapping signaled the end of the official part of the gala.

Knowing Tasha was there, probably observing me, killed my appetite. As if sensing my unease, Jim filled my plate with various bite-size appetizers.

"Eat, baby," he said, handing me a shrimp.

I chewed, trying to savor the food while Jim talked to his bandmates. His attention returned to me every couple of minutes, and by the time our delicious entrées - steaks - were on the table, I felt completely relaxed.

An orchestra played when dinner was over.

"Dance with me," Jim said, rising to his feet.

I accepted his hand and let him lead me to the dance floor. Riley was dancing with Noah. I gave her a slight nod, and her lips stretched in a grin.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Jim asked, circling my waist with his arm and pulling me to him.

"I am." I looked into his eyes. "I'm glad to be here with you."

His eyes softened. Midway through the song, Jim cupped my face and claimed my lips. Tingles of anticipation ran through my body. Without breaking the kiss, I wrapped my arms around his neck to draw him closer.

The smell of his cologne, his heat, and the feel of his taut muscles under his clothes made me light-headed, desperate to be alone with him.

Jim's lips grazed my earlobe. A small moan escaped me, and his hold on me tightened. "Ava?"

"I'm awfully turned on," I whispered into Jim's neck, a bit shocked by my boldness.

Desire flashed in his irises when he put some distance between our faces. Taking advantage of the change of song, Jim threaded his fingers through mine and led me out of the hall down the spacious hallway with artworks adorning the walls.

Pausing at the women's restroom door, Jim listened in. A few seconds later, he led me inside.

"Come here," he rasped.

I barely took a step when he hoisted me up and sat me on the marble vanity, leaning in until his minty breath tickled my skin and our chests touched.

"We have to be quick."

I wet my lips. "I know."

"Spread your legs."

Jim's palms glided over my thighs, teasing me. I threw my head back and closed my eyes when his fingers rubbed me through my panties.

"Soaked," Jim whispered, placing open-mouthed kisses on my neck. The tip of his tongue traced patterns on my skin until he reached my ear and sucked on my earlobe. He moved my panties to the side, and his fingers touched my core, sending a jolt of pleasure through me.

Two of them slipped inside.

"God." I panted when Jim moved them in and out in a steady rhythm. He was watching me, his face only inches from mine, his pupils slightly dilated.

I grabbed his belt and unfastened it clumsily, eager to touch Jim without the barrier of clothes. As soon as I slid the zipper of his pants down, I grabbed his hard length, circling his shaft with my fingers.

"Fuck." Jim's teeth sank into his bottom lip as I caressed him. His digits resumed their sweet torture, curling inside me, rubbing the spot that made me whimper and move my hips against Jim's palm.

"More. Please."

"You'll be the death of me," Jim murmured, inching his face forward. He kissed my collarbone and bit my shoulder gently, and then complied with my request, thrusting his fingers into me only to withdraw and do it again. Rougher. Faster. Harder.

When I smoothed my thumb over his swollen head, he teased my bundle of nerves, and the tension in my lower belly ramped up. I focused on pleasuring Jim, squeezing him, and increasing the speed until his shallow pants warned me that he was close.

"Don't hold back, baby," he uttered, massaging my clit. He grew hotter in my hand, and when his wetness coated my palm, my muscles pulsed and spasmed, clenching around his fingers. Pleasure came in powerful waves, and I sobbed, sagging against Jim.

His chest heaving, he removed his hand gently and rained tender kisses over my face and neck. "You okay?"

I blew out a shaky breath. "Yeah. God, it's just that..."

"I could've come again just listening to the sounds you made," Jim said, letting out a tired chuckle. "I kinda wish I didn't have to sing tonight. Then we'd just go home, get in bed and carry on with this sweet madness till sunrise."

"Wait." I gaped at him. "You're gonna sing?"

Jim glanced at his watch. "In ten minutes."

Ignoring my panicked stare, he kissed me once and then once more. I slid off the vanity and washed my hands, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My hair and makeup were perfect, but the post-orgasmic blush on my cheeks would give me away. So would Jim's swollen lips and the satisfied look on his face.

"We look well-fucked, baby." He winked, straightening his clothes. "Now hold my hand, and let's go back."

Giggling, I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him. Jim cupped my behind, smiling against my lips.

The door to the bathroom opened, startling us.

Frozen, I stared at Tasha.

Jim hugged me and leveled her with a stare so cold it gave me chills.

"Look who's here," he said, his tone icy. "Looking for pictures to give the paps, I assume. Too bad they already took many. Come on, my love."

Without sparing Tasha another glance, we exited the bathroom and returned to the banquet hall.

"Jim." Jay rushed to us. "Ready?"

"Yeah. Wait for me, baby, okay?"

I pecked his cheek and grinned, taking several steps backward until I was right in front of the stage. My eyes roved over the room, but Riley and Noah were impossible to spot in the dense crowd.

Strobe lights illuminated the stage. A man took a microphone and stepped forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our special guests, Rebellious Hearts."

"Good evening," Jim said, hearing the claps and cheers of the fans. A guitar chord followed his greeting, and my heart swelled when he started to sing. The same voice that whispered sweet and dirty things in my ear minutes ago reverberated in the air of the hall, hypnotizing the guests of the event.

"He might not be enough for someone like you," another, very different voice said behind me.

"Excuse me?"

I pivoted and came face to face with the man from the nightclub.

"I said he might not be enough for someone like you."

My gaze darted to the stage. Jim was facing away from me, immersed in his performance.

"I don't know what you mean," I said, surveying my surroundings to find a safe spot away from whoever the man was.

"Look at you. Showcasing your assets, dressed to attract the attention of men like me and then playing dumb."

I wanted to slap him. Instead, I stood rooted to the spot, struggling to inhale.

The notes of the song faded. Jim spoke, saying something to the fans, laughing at someone's words.

I should've been paying attention to him, but all I heard was the words of the bald guy with an ugly chain around his neck, who luckily left me alone.

"You should've slapped him, Ava."

My customer from the bookstore stood by my side, clutching a flute with champagne. She had the same haircut but wore a long red gown.

Her piercing eyes studied my face. There was no judgment there, but I couldn't decipher her expression beyond that.

My mouth opened and closed several times. Who was she, and what was she doing at an exclusive event? She remembered my name, but I didn't even know hers.

"I..." I cleared my throat.

"Never allow others to disrespect you," the woman said. "Especially men who treat women as someone inferior and dare to insult them publicly. It was nice seeing you."

She raised her flute and sauntered away, joining a group of women by the entrance.

Jay was singing Riveted, and Jim played his guitar by his side. Even from a distance, I could tell something bothered him. The green eyes I adored skittered over the guests, almost as if he was looking for someone. Me?

I thought about waving to let Jim know where I was, but the same disgusting man appeared out of nowhere.

"Have you thought about my offer?"

I turned to leave, but he grabbed my wrist. "I get your body; you get my money. What do you say? Come on, don't pretend. I know you're with him for the same reason."

Blood simmered in my veins and rushed to my cheeks, making them burn with anger but also embarrassment. I pulled my arm out of his grasp and rubbed it.

"You son of a bitch."

Jim barreled toward me. His eyes blazed with rage, and his mouth turned into a thin line.

"Out of my way, Ava," he roared.

"Jim," the bald guy said. I swiveled my head in time to see Jim tackling him to the ground.

Jim's fist slammed into the man's jaw several times. He grabbed him by the tie and lifted his head off the floor only to deliver a blow to his nose. Crimson liquid poured out of it, but Jim had no intention to stop.

"Jim," I shrieked.

"Fuck, man, stop." Jay locked his arms around my boyfriend's shoulders, trying to break up the fight to no avail.

"You disgusting motherfucker," Jim said through gritted teeth, trying to shrug Jay off him. "Touch her again, and I'll end you."

The men I recognized as Andre and Cayden pushed through the crowd at the same time two security guards ran into the hall.