rt gala was i

ses of champagne in quick succession. Her cheeks were hot, and her mind was buzzing. She

faucet and splashed c

socialites walked in. They were Ina's "friends"-women

ed. "How are the reconci

ron's name. "Fine," she lie

gossip. "Did you see Buren Warner out there? God, he is gorgeous. I w

blood. The alcohol stripped away her usual caution. She wanted to tear down h

ainst the cold marble sink, crossing her arms defen

from a very reliable source that beneath that terrifying exterior, he is shockingly... underwhelming.

widened to the size of saucers. Then, they e

ling a petty, v

Through the inch-wide gap, a tall figure in a black tuxedo ha

ot been hiding-he had simply been walking to the private lounge down the hall when

door open with

ic

ter died

s restroom. His face was a ma

ke they had just seen a ghost. They clutched their designer bags, l

reached out and pushed the heavy double

er. She tried to dart si

thumb pressing deeply into the soft skin, sending a jolt of sharp, electric pain radiating up to her shoulder. The heat of his palm seared through the thin fabric of her dress. He yanked her forward with brutal, effortless force. The sudden momentum stole the breath

ose was touching hers. His

n growled, his voice

elashes fluttered in pure terror.

jaw, his long fingers pressing into

oo much," h

is mouth dow

utal, punishing assault. He forced her li

fists against his solid chest, but it was like

dn't breathe. The cedarwoo

buckled, Buren abr

earing her red lipstick. He looked down

for that mouth

cked the door,

s were already spreading the rumor. By tomorrow, she would be