Chapter 3 - The Clashing Tides
Victoria let out a sharp, ungraceful screech as the momentum tore her off her balance. Her high heels skidded uselessly against the polished floor, and she crashed sideways onto the hard marble, her crimson silk gown bunching up around her knees. The empty crystal flute flew from her hand, shattering into a hundred glittering shards against the base of a marble pillar.
The ballroom erupted into instant, chaotic murmurs. Guests pulled back, pulling their gowns away from the shattered glass.
David immediately dropped to his knees beside little Maya. His rough, calloused hands were remarkably gentle as he pulled a white linen handkerchief from his tuxedo pocket, carefully wiping the sticky orange juice from the child’s eyes and weeping face.
"It's okay, little one," David whispered, his own voice shaking with adrenaline. "I've got you. You're safe."
Maya buried her face into David's shoulder, her small, soaked body shaking with violent, rhythmic hitches as she wept into his dark lapel.
On the floor, Victoria’s face transformed from refined arrogance into a mask of pure, demonic rage. Her blonde updo had partially unraveled, a lock of hair falling wildly across her face. She scrambled to her feet, her hands shaking with unbridled fury as she smoothed her ruined red dress.
She lunged toward David while he was still on his knees comforting the girl.
SLAP!
The sound of Victoria's palm striking David’s cheek rang out through the silent hall like a gunshot report. David’s head snapped sideways, a dark red handprint instantly rising along his jawline.
"How dare you!" Victoria screamed, her voice cracking into a high-pitched, hysterical shriek. "How dare you lay your filthy hands on me!"
David stood up slowly, keeping his body positioned squarely between Victoria and the crying girl. He didn't strike back, but his dark eyes burned with an absolute, deadly disgust that made Victoria take an involuntary step backward.
"You are a monster," David said, his voice terrifyingly quiet.
"Security!" Victoria bellowed, turning toward the perimeter of the room where several private guards stood in dark suits. "Security, drag this unhinged lunatic out of here! Throw them both into the street! Now!"
Four broad-shouldered security officers broke from their posts, moving rapidly toward David with their handcuffs drawn. David squared his shoulders, lifting his fists, preparing to fight his way out through the guards to protect the child.
May you like
Suddenly, a loud, heavy BOOM echoed from the back of the hall.
The massive, twelve-foot double oak doors leading to the grand entrance of the Regent Ballroom were slammed open with such immense physical force that the brass handles embedded themselves into the mahogany wall paneling.
