that was entirely separate from the alcohol. It stemmed from the memory of a

re

wrapped in bedding that felt like silk. The natural light flooding the space t

ooklyn walk-up. This was the terrifying place of power

but my torso screamed in complaint. Every muscle felt ten

shield my eyes, and tha

rawling, overwhelming pr

God,

is back, the dark, detailed ink I remembered, covering his should

ay from the light. A low, ragged sigh of

simple sound. I

away the alcoholic haze and replacing it wi

look at me, Leo," he'd commanded, his voice a low,

l, not while his touch was everywhere. He'd pressed me against the cold wi

esperate whimper of pure terror. It

Before he could demand conversat

mbs were weak, but I grabbed the nearest item of clothing, a dark shirt, pulling i

tly fled the suite. I refused to lo

hammering a violent rhythm. I held my breath until the doors hissed shut, separatin

**

a recent canvas. The oil paint before me looked chaotic, a perfect reflection of

wered, trying

pened after you ditched me? Did you locate a safe ride home

t my easel. "I found mo

ait. Pause. Did you actually... spen

I bre

You finally let go! Was it...

tening. And yes. It occurred." I took a shu

at repressed energy had to go somewhere! See? All you required was a mystery soul to

yes. "And no. There was no discussion. He was... controlling

sensing the raw panic in mine. "But you're safe, right? No pr

ot question me about my words, the use of

nd alright, but the persistent ache in my body gave away the lie. "I

thing new. Now, lock that memory away, and let's focus on the nex

dinner. Mission: Pretend

get to the Volkovs... Can I ask

ad," I

u've never dated. You've never let yourself even get close to a woman. Have yo

coil of fear and denial. Don't say it.

male physicality fueled by stress and three gin and tonics. It means nothing about my actual prefe

heard. You don't lose your identity because o

It happened, it's done. I am going to forget that face, that touch, and

at least let me tell you to wear the expensive suit. Look wealthy. And use that

luctant laugh. "I'll

*

rizer when my mother called. I inspected my reflection. The c

ar, and we're nearly there. Are you on your way?" My mum

curing a cab now.

her. He says the boys should be home shortly from the firm. They're

ring? Arthur and his two sons?" I asked, hoping the

utterly ruthless in business, but such magnetic, sophisticated young men. Arthur says they are both t

ing to a world of finance and power that felt disconnected from my reality. I focused o

try not to bore them with my

. They inhabit that breathtaking penthouse, you

rning's intense panic, but I dismissed it immediately. Every billi

it, Mom. Se

epped into the vehicle, beginning the journey toward the dazzling, perilous lig

walk directly into the jaws o