glittered like sin

ight they reflected every lie worn tonight. Gold and wine, diamonds and

f it all stoo

derneath. He adjusted his cufflink, felt eyes sliding toward him - curious, appraising, whispering. He was a stranger to

rowd once, and t

an C

promised eternity. The man who had watc

a body honed sharper than memory. His jawline looked carved in stone, his gaze colder than when s

atin gown that shimmered under the lights. She wore a politician's smile, but her eyes

Perfect. The weakness a

e deferential. "Mrs. Sloane-Cross wishes to thank you per

, the smile slow and de

y already understood: this man was

or just a second before it softened into warmth. She

about you. Your support for o

make the gesture intimate but not subservient. His

xpensive. But so

es lingered a heartbeat too long on his face.

n Lucia

glass. His hand left Evelyn's waist as he extended it toward the

ss. Welcome

d. For the first time in years, th

or one savage heartbeat, but Adrian Vale didn't falter. He sl

g just enough that only Lucian could hea

efest flicker, something raw cracked in his expr

"Then perhaps we'll give you a tour tomorrow. T

still locked on Lucian's. "To

lingered, a silent threat - or was it recognition? When he finally le

. Vale. Our city can

sharper than any blade. "I alwa

ck just once. Lucian was still watching him, his jaw tight, eyes