Lost in sin

et's

you realize your survival depends

ling the same bitter thought over and over. Every paycheck I earn here carries

are you even l

ly. The movement earns me a few curious glances from around the long glas

essional smile, even as my fingers curl tighter around my

"Good. Because this project cannot afford mistakes. The LaRussos are investin

like a strike

LaR

family that dismantled my father's company piece by piece. The family

is walking straight

Absolutel

it to my desk before setting my sketchpad down too hard and sinking into

lionaire with too much power and too littl

r the divider with barely contained

's about to say, but I

aRusso. He's coming in today. Apparently

t doesn't reach my

lty. Top schools, obscene money, and have you seen hi

ntitled man in a tailored s

twists tighte

ered into our house smelling of whiskey and defeat, his hands shaking as h

to design luxury spac

ssure

expensive perfume, and quiet arrogance. I stand at the front,

e natural light while maintaining both luxury a

e stre

s it, low, control

expect this level of v

mbles. Slowl

LaR

suit fits him like it belongs there, like the world was tailored around him. Dark eye

ws exactly

ame," I say, keeping my tone st

"I make it a point to know

er

e something raw

gn is bold," he continues. "Different." A pause. Th

hing

y, before I c

ft slightly.

I say, my voice shaking now despite my efforts. "

instantly. Mia's sharp inhale. My bos

lie

He just watches, head til

, Miss Romano," he says ca

urns and

y. No exp

t r

r the room empties. My nails bite int

he thin

leaning against the glass wall as if he'd planned

ys lightly. "Does tha

are you here? To hu

lower, heavier. "To say

e. "You insulted my family

s," he replies. "

his cologne reaches me, dark, expensive, un

ather, Juliet," he murmurs

you play?" I

his lips. "The kind y

in, leaving my heart racin

e television casting flickering light across his wor

g has

est rise and fall. I wish forgiveness came eas

ose the door and

LaR

ne feels lik

hat whatever spark flared betw

in that boardroom, it

t like

t, something on my nig

lack busi

ember putti

ickens as I

SSO - Pri

, a handwr

finished,

nd the card as the city

something with

een our famil

ly just