3: The I

ad continued on its usual course-full of power, charm, and a never-ending line of suitors, but Sebastian was different

was at a gala, where his piercing gaze would follow her across the room, or at a private business event where their paths seemed to cross

th anticipation and the tension between them had bui

l for a man of his stature-asking her to meet him at a private venue. The kind of place where o

waiting for this-this call, this invitation to step deeper into the web he had been weaving around h

crets were buried beneath polished floors and quiet rooms. Delilah knew it well-it was

, the type that screamed power and money. The interior was sleek, minimalist in design, with dark marble floors and low-hanging lights

sting a silhouette against the darkening sky. The city lights twinkled below him, but it was his presence that filled the room. The wa

s voice smooth, almost

his gaze, feeling the weight of hi

eaving hers. "I wasn't sure. You're a woman of many mysteries. And I h

dence unwavering. "And what do y

pelling. "I think I'll find everything I've been looking for," he said, his

eat of his body just inches from hers. There was no more pr

t her pulse was still racing. "What e

a jolt of electricity through her. "I want more than your body, Delilah," he said qui

lf, she felt a shiver run down her spine. It was like a dare-a cha

s so close now, so dangerously close that Delilah could hea

lie, but there was nothing. He was telling the truth, a

. "I want to show you something. Someth

ity piqued. "What do you think I'll

y in his expression. "I think you'll see

-

The Darke

rivate high-rise once again, the sleek modern building towering above her like a fortress of glass and steel. Her heart was

with a kind of finality that made her realize something she hadn't allowed herself to

uxurious to the point of intimidating. The walls were lined with dark mahogany, and the furnitur

The mood was different this time-darker, more intimate. There was a weight to his

tely. She could feel his eyes on her as she walked into

there was something more in his voice-so

one laced with challenge. "What e

here was something magnetic about the way he moved, as if

if the weight of his words was pulling at him. "Everything you think you kn

range unease settle in her chest. She was no longer in control,

e with surprising gentleness. His thumb brushed against her

ured, his voice a low

at, he kiss