less a house and more a fortress built

up the long gravel driveway. The sky was a b

ecking his reflection, wiping i

r opened the door. "Smile. Nod. Do

arm. His grip wa

illed with aunts, cousins, and business associat

d in, the roo

t becaus

ooking at the

as desc

him like a second skin. He moved with a

s heart

was

hair. The eyes that looked

man from

tipped three h

Ster

elt dizzy. She had slept with Julian's brothe

run. She wan

he crowd parted for him like the Red Sea.

eyes lan

rise. Just a cold, calculating flicker of recognition that wa

er forward. "Dam

with open disdain. "Jul

n stammered.

later," Damon said smoothly.

e a butterfly p

Damon said. His voice was d

ian said. "Th

her. "Shake hi

d out, her ha

g black leather gloves. He looked at her

ands," Damon sai

and humiliating. The room

quickly, flushing. "I f

ve. He took a step closer, invading her personal s

arls in her ears. His face was inches from h

llars," he whispered, his br

small, cruel smirk

roaring in her ears, staring in

-