The ball was already in full swing when they arrived, although more people were stepping from a variety of vehicles, some as modern as Dillon’s hover, others more old-fashioned, probably antique, and pulled by horses. Callum stayed with the hover, taking it out of the way to park as Dillon escorted Zoe into the main building. She kept glancing around, trying to see if Inara were in sight, but she couldn’t tell.

“You know,” Dillon said as they waited to be announced, “I wasn’t exaggerating – you outshine all the other women here.”

“You ain’t seen all the other women,” Zoe pointed out, feeling slightly uncomfortable in the company of so many rich people without actually considering robbing them. “And you certainly haven’t seen Inara.”

They reached the front of the queue and the concierge announced them in a loud, clear voice. “Mr Dillon Malfrey and escort.”

“Escort?” Zoe breathed.

“I didn’t have time to let them know who would be accompanying me. But right now I wish I had.” He smiled and called the boy over with a tray of wine flutes.

“I thought Frey said you were sly,” Zoe pointed out, taking one.

Dillon laughed. “As the day is long, my dear. But that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate beauty when I see it. In fact, perhaps more so, as I don’t want anything from you other to stand and admire you. And make the other men in the room jealous.”

“Jealous?”

“Look around you, my dear,” he said, using his wine flute to cover his mouth. “They’re all staring.”

Zoe glanced around, and indeed he was right. She seemed to be the centre of attention, and if made her even more uncomfortable. “If ain't me,” she said quietly. “Must be the dress. And I'm not sure the Captain would approve of people looking.” Nor Hank, she added silently, although he might just also have a slight edge of pride to that disapproval.

“What your Captain thinks isn’t exactly relevant, is it?” Dillon said, smiling. “He’s not here. So just enjoy yourself.”

“I'm not here to do that,” Zoe pointed out.

“Th