Expectation had been another cage.
Darnell lowered his voice, trying a different tactic now that rage had failed.
“Baby,” he said.
The word made her skin go cold.
“Don’t,” she whispered.
He glanced around the room, calculating. She saw him do it. She had learned his face the way people learn weather. His eyes moved from Vincent to the guests, from the security cameras in the corners to Candace, who no longer stood close enough for anyone to think she belonged to him.
“I was upset,” he said. “I shouldn’t have pushed you. I admit that. But you know I’ve been under pressure. My mother, work, all these people watching us. You came here after I asked you not to and—”
“You told me this morning we were attending together,” Lenora said.
He blinked.
“You told me to wear something simple because you didn’t want me drawing attention,” she continued. “You told me to stay near the back. You told me not to embarrass you. I did exactly what you asked, and you still punished me.”
