d longer, trapped in the suffocating aftermath of last night's recklessness. She lifted her

me payment for last night. But this ends here. Whatever happened between us, whatever I said or did--none of it count

lock away her shame and self-loathing. She refused to let a single impulsive nig

ble composure all night. He could see the faint exhaustion clinging to her features, the residual haze of alco

gentle in a way he never was with anyone. "Rest here for a while. T

nt his mercy, didn't want any part of his consideration. Any ten

, her gaze fixed firmly on the door, avoidi

r haste. His hand moved instinctively, reaching out to steady her, a natural,

heavy suite door open, and fled straight into t

his gray eyes locked on the spot where she'd vanished, tracking her chaotic, desperate retreat. His face bore no rea

ng sunlight, the platinum ring on his finger glowed with a soft, warm luster. His thumb brushed gently over the tiny engraved letter "S" on the inner

ntouched and unremoved. He dressed with his usual precise, economical movements, every gesture calm and controlled. Nearly an hou

he doorbell c

ftness in his expression vanishing instantl

stood outside, faintly hungover but brimming with unbridle

charming. "Figured you hadn't eaten yet.

et him in, his tone flat and unint

s nicer than any place in the city." He dropped casually onto the sofa, oozing the easy arrogance of a man with nothing t

was desperate to show it off. He set the breakfast bag on the coffee table, and his gaze immediately locked onto the

Julian's face. "Whoa, Uncle. Is th

ctics, and infamous for his completely vacant personal life. Women had never been a part of his world. Countless socia

oset to select a tie. Julian followed closely, leaning

y? Someone I know? A de

ian's gaze roamed the room again, landing on the two used whi

Looks like you had o

ession still impassive. As he fastened the clasp, the platinu

on the ring. He frowned and le

at rin

er lifting his gaz

d out at the restaurant the night before--nearly identical. But he brushed the thought off instantly, deeming it ridiculous. Seraphina's ri

th his questioning. "Come on,

mirror. His tone dropped, low and sharp, a dangerous edge creep

fed out his chest arrogantly. "Of course I won. Seraphina can't liv

dark shadow swept across his gray eyes. He stared at Julian in s

It was not a question. It wa

in mood. He'd never seen Damian react like this over a trivia

pproval. "You gamble with a woman's feelings, treat her loyalty like a trivial prize t

t of all over a random bet involving his girlfriend. He was utterly baffled why Damian was so furious. "It's

ldish bets, your petty competitions, or your arrogant games. But you will learn to treat every woman wit

why his uncle was so enraged over such a meaningless thing. He'd always known Damia

rivate life is none of your concern. And your childish stunt

your mess. I don't want any unnecessary trouble or

ing in twenty

usion. He paused on the threshold, glancing back at Damian's solitary figure by the window. The rumpled bed, the forgotten women's coat, the new

icked shut

his gaze to the platinum band on his finger, twisting it slowly between his fingers as t