. She kept thinking about what Cassandra had said earlier: Lily, this isn't simply

wever, Lily was no longer readily frightened. Cassandra's cryptic warnings, if anything, strengthe

wser and then "affairs" and "business scandals." Her husband had always been an astute businessman wh

perfect. There were no rumors of scandal or corruption, no indications of the darker side Ca

the phone resting on the table. Ethan Blake

piercing blue gaze. He knew more than he had admitte

uess herself. Before Ethan's confident, silky v

prise," he added in

ith you," Lily

le laugh. "Is Cas

sponse. "Ethan, I want the truth. No more game

ns during the lull on the other end. At last, he

ecome used to, the Blue Orchid was quiet and darkly lit. She notic

, his eyes unblinking. He said, "Lily,

at opposite him. "Ethan, I'm not here to make small talk.

id in his glass. "Lily, you're stepping into a realm you don't

n, stop being so theatrical! T

more than simply a mistress. She has strong ties to an unimaginable universe.

r stomach churned. "What sort of

h men who are like Daniel-wealthy, driven, and prepared to take shortcuts. Lily, she's not in it

humping in her chest.

eyes meeting hers.

as Daniel merely one more piece in Cassandra's sc

s to me?" With a quiveri

his expression relaxed. "Because you're different from them."

en them to temporarily change. However, Lily immediate

e above a whisper as she qu

e if I were you. Get away from Daniel. Stay out of it

can't simply leave. Ethan, this is my lif

assandra is victorious. Additionally, those with whom she is associate

how deadly Cassandra and her allies were, she didn't care.

you for the warning, Ethan." "

, you're more courageous than I realized. Just be s

ng against her skin. Although she was unsure of her specific challenges, she

has only ba