Shadowed Hearts

irl, and I'l

Thorn moved through the crowd with practiced ease, her emerald silk dress, bold enough to be noticed, el

e most sought-after event planners in New York had taught her that th

hose company's annual charity gala could make her career. "I was h

r, widening slightly. "Perhaps later, Ms. T

the Red Sea, revealing a tall figure in an impeccably tailored black su

wealthy, he held all the power. His dark hair, threaded with silver at the temples framed his face

ered, already moving toward

m a passing server. She'd have to be more aggressive. These men

empty glass aside, charting a path through the crowd

ing her stumbling back. Strong hands caught her arms, steadying her, but not bef

fore looking up into those piercing blue

an S

said, his voice a low rumble that se

armth of his fingers on her skin. "I believe you owe me

predatory. Instead of anger, a slow smile spread across his face

t most

wn her body in a way that made her fee

ealt with powerful men before, men who thought their wealth and status gave them the ri

e," she said, movin

ending electricity shooting up her arm

She tugged her wrist free, hating th

oser. The scent of his-expensive cologne with undertones of som

" Everyone knew who

, Lexi Thorn, it seems y

en like you always get what they want." She kept her ton

blinking. "And what I want right now is for you t

h caught. "I

ropped lower. "But I'm willing

ured women like her for breakfast. She'd heard the rumors, how he collec

," she said, the li

ushing her ear. "You're lying, Lexi. I can see it in your eyes. Feel it in your pulse.

cheeks burning. "You'r

smile was pure sin. "Be a good g

. "I don't take orde

sound dark and promising. "Sweet

life avoiding-controlling, dominant, dangerous. But her body betrayed he

cing the curve of her jaw. "You'll co

aking the contact. "D

egs unsteady, her heart pounding in her ears. She could feel h

her that if she did-if she saw that predatory blue gaze ju

fied her more

away from the crowd, Lexi had forgotte

ell was that?" Ag

from a passing waiter, downin

Julian freaking Styles looked at you like h

n arrogant bastard. I don't

't you, though? Or is Etha

he empty champagne gla

able and totally safe." She leaned in, her voice lowering. "But tell m

they both knew the truth. Et