Before anyone could react, I had already unbuttoned my shawl.
It was a deep winter, but the venue was well-heated.
However, I stood near the entrance. The icy wind clawed at my skirt, raising goosebumps along my bare arms and shoulders.
I reached out to unbutton the buckle at the back of my dress and the thin dress collar slipped off.
Most of my shoulders and the curve of my breasts were revealed.
"Heavens!"
A few timid people in the crowd covered their eyes, unable to watch any longer.
However, the men looked on with great interest.
Only Silas' expression darkened. His lips pressed into a thin line, the only sign of his anger the slight tremor in his fingers as he held his cigarette.
The dress slipped off and I was almost standing in front of everyone naked.
The cigarette in Silas' hand burned his fingertips. He dropped it, swiftly removed his suit jacket and draped it over me.
"Juliette, you've got a death wish!"
"Everyone, close your eyes! If a single word about what you saw tonight gets out, I'll ensure you don't see the sun tomorrow!"
"Get lost, all of you!"
Silas rarely lost his temper, especially in this kind of setting.