houlder down the sleek, modern stairca

down the middle, creating a clear path. Camera fl

ad one hand casually tucked into his pocket, his posture radia

d her chin high, soaking in the envious

dropped as she watched her husband parade his m

room and locked onto th

e gown. It was the "Black Swan's Song," a one-of-a-kind, not-for

shook Kristopher

to have it for the gala," she whined,

e reached out and ruffled her hair. He snapped his fing

dress," Kri

Glenn, I apologize, but that piece is strictly not for sale. It be

re isn't a single thing in Manhattan that th

and landed directly on the staircase. He saw Ale

instantly locked. His eyes tur

wd, stopping right in front of Aletha. His tall

, his tone leaving absolutely no room for a

ed straight into the eyes of the ma

r voice was flat, hard,

llery. No one in this city ever dared to

of his cologne mixed with pure danger.

eady brimming with fresh tears.

s to be difficult, I don't need the dress. I

utter, throwing disgusted looks at Al

ly in front of Aletha, using his broad shoul

oudly. "Bringing your mistress in here to rob someone

n the middle of the high-society crowd.

r feet and collapsed against Kristopher's chest, so

o absolute zero. He stared at Julian, his eye

ce dropping to a lethal whisper. "Don't risk your en

ical blow with a sledgehammer. Her fingernails

ong as I have breath in my lungs, I will nev

apart, the air between them crackl

were as calm and dead as a stagnant pool of wa