Dozens of lanterns illuminated the entrance to the venue, and white sails flew overhead, light and ethereal. They walked up a short flight of stairs to the massive door, which was at least fifteen feet tall. Already, Aria was awed. A small gaggle of reporters was hovering outside, trapping each group before they moved through the threshold.

A tall, slender couple were speaking to the cameras thirty yards in front of them, and Aria wondered if they were famous. She never thought she’d be sharing a room with celebrities. How thrilling. As they strolled toward the door, she did her best to glide smoothly in her stiletto heels, but she’d never been graceful, so she scuffed her toes more than once.

A reporter and a cameraman broke away from the group and approached them.

“Mr. Lockwood,” the reporter called. “We spoke to your parents earlier. Can you confirm you’re here with them tonight?”

“Yes,” Eli replied as the reporter thrust the microphone in his face. “I’m attending with my parents.”

His calm demeanor impressed Aria. He came across as utterly urbane and aristocratic, holding his shoulders back with his hair brushed away from his face, highlighting his strong cheekbones and deep blue eyes. Untouchable. Except he wasn’t. She shivered, remembering the way those eyes had flared with heat when he’d kissed her. She’d seen him out of control, and she liked it.

“This is the first event you’ve attended with your parents in several months,” the reporter remarked. “Why is that?”

“I’ve been living on a different island, so naturally, I haven’t seen much of my parents recently.” He nodded to the reporter with finality, ending the brief interview, and continued toward the entrance. His palm, a gentle heat in the small of Aria’s back, urged her on.

When she passed through the door and gazed out over the ballroom, she gasped. They’d stepped onto a wooden dance floor flanked by tables of finger foods. A dozen feet up, a platform surrounded the edge of the room. At the far end of the room, between the dance floor and the platform, a stage was set. No fewer than two hundred people were milling about, a few seated at tables on the upper level and the rest standing on the ballroom floor. Even at first glance, Aria could tell these men and women were wealthy. She felt gauche and unrefined by comparison.

“Wow,” she breathed. “This is totally intimidating.”

“You’ll be fine,” Eli said, rubbing comforting circles on her back. “Don’t worry.”

Teri grabbed her arm, eyes glittering with excitement. “This is so cool.”

“Don’t get too excited,” Aria teased. “Someone might think you’re enjoying yourself.” She turned to Eli. “Should we find your parents?”

“Not yet,” he replied. “Let’s enjoy ourselves while we can.” He glanced at his watch. “Dinner begins at eight. Until then, we’re free to look around.”