wheel of her car, her knuckles turning white against

marriage deal, all for

hless negotiations, the way he moved people around like chess

business transaction. Thi

ustion settling into her bones, as s

tually her car gave a warning jolt as the

course... this

nd grabbed her phone, dial

through the road. Wher

. "Do you see any store ne

ted a bright neon sign flickering

, I s

The rooftop," Vincent sa

started walking towards the store, the cool air nipping at her skin. Her heels clicked agains

force that sent her stumbling backward. Her feet lost th

t her temple

y?" A deep vo

g at the side of her head. "Do I look okay to you?" she

ront of her, offering

ing his fingers through it absentmindedly. But it was his eyes that stole her breath

are of how ridiculous she must hav

as he helped her to her feet. But the moment she straightened, dizzine

Her face red as a V

rumble of his voice vibrated through her, sending

praying her face wasn't betrayin

ed down and picked up her bag. "That's going to swell if you don't tre

s asking weird questions. What

e fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, illumi

cold soda from the cooler. He handed it to her. "Press that against

said, sighing a

d here?" he ask

'm visiting a friend. He,

you mean Vincent? Wow, I did

cally shouted. The guy flinched slightly, c

voice. "I mean, no, I'm not his g

d a sleek business card from her purse and handed it to

urora." He flipped the card between his fingers, then looked

e name s

er bag. "Let me h

or her purse. "W

worry about it. Consider i

but before she could, Theo had already g

completely and unintent

possible for a human man t

f to look away, s

are not doin

leading to the rooftop, she was determi

of his usual suits, dressed in casual sweatpants and a hoodie,

er and Theo. "I hope you're

I'll be out of your hai

before the door shut,

ink. And... for he

d into a smirk. "

ind her, shutting o

pressing the soda can a