TER

A VO

at harm could one drink do? And if I refused, if I

y and fuckin

es. A challenge. Like he knew I wanted

es. Then I will excuse herself, go straight

ounds p

releasing a smile. "T

ignaled for the check

ght a glimpse of several zeros. Damien paid in cash, crisp bills that he

back as he guided me through the restaurant. The two sec

waited at the curb, gleaming under the streetlights. The driv

rtesy that would have been charming if my inst

rtition between the front and back. Damien slid in beside me, close enough

into a second

you don't know

I asked, trying to

thedral." He smiled. "Ve

oscow's most exclusive n

role of Anastasia, while my mind raced through contingency plans. The car turned ont

his hand once again on my back, proprietary and warm. Seems like he has a

urity desk manned by yet another serious-looking man in a suit. He no

Thud.

nst my ribs like it w

mean I can just tell him I have somewhe

o come up wit

obby, I noticed that and breathe out in relief. Just me and dangerous Damien

ned directly int

d out an

k

spread out like a glittering jewel box. The space was enormous, open plan living area, sle

of an import-export b

someone with serious

ice came from behind me, close enou

I managed, my mo

d to a bar area, pulling out two cry

on the edge of a leather sofa t

ch-wealthy. Fu

muscles coiled tight, ready to run. The elevator required a key card to operat

re being paranoid. This is just a dr

nd sat down beside me. Not across from me, besid

the,

," he said, rai

" I echoed, taki

ered below them like a universe of stars. It was easy to see why someone with

llingly walked int

ou something

fake name. Made something

urse,"

your rea

heart s

d laugh. "Damien, my name is An

s steel underneath now. "The one your mother gave you. The one on your actua

d tilted