hind. I gazed out the window, watching the bu

ngers laced beneath his knee, dressed in a pol

d read about in the news: impenetrabl

hat a lot of that cont

ten steps ahead because, if he wasn't, s

" I asked, my voice so

way. "Lucien's estate.

to kill me sends an invi

lips. "He's not trying to kill you, Claire. Not

alking int

ormance," he corrected. "An

d with perfectly manicured hedges and gardens that looked almost unreal. The

ghtly in my lap. Dami

flinch. Don't apologize. And whate

d. And if I see

cause I'll be be

made me feel bett

trimmed walls, oil paintings, and crystal chandeliers cr

ake. He was tall, pale, and way too handsome. With slick long hair

hly, extending a hand.

shake it. "Not

nd this must be lovely Mr.

olite smile.

holding on just a moment too long. His l

e purred, his voice smooth like velv

ed. Funny, he ne

Real

. It was possessive, grounding a silent

andles lit, wine poured. It would've been romantic if it w

gan with

ming in a way that made my skin crawl. Damian, on the other hand, was all

about Lucien un

eveling

he second course,

how your father

oom f

s tightened aro

rt attack. That's w

rling, you really

mian warned, h

ignored

ral causes; he was execut

n my ears. My hands du

arely wh

mile turne

tor, a desperate man. He made deals with the devil and though

an, and his sile

you know. Told me I could have you if Damian refuse

caught in

red, and his next words

've destro

sgust churning

he sound of it scraping against

dinner is

laughed. "

and I'll bury you ne

was calm but he

nt me to be scared of you.* But honestly, you're jus

ttle girl. You're not bulletproof just

ue, but I don't

nd, and we starte

e door, Lucien's last words

e night your father died. Then yo