nches from sealing shut when a massive hand,

olently retract. Jeannette sta

tands in the opening. His eyes are cold and assessing as they sweep

ds the small space of the elevator. It's dark cedar

thud, click echoes on

s into the

reams terrifying wealth. He holds a custom silver-handled cane in his right

a hand toward Jeannette. "Ma'am, I nee

doesn't look up. He just flicks two

steps back into the corner, and pr

space with this stranger. She crosses her arms over

ts smooth ascent, the ma

at the woman sta

has stopped. He grips the handle of his cane, the silver chilling his palm, anchoring him against the

from the Monaco security footage. The girl who dragged his

ing two feet away fro

of cold indifference to hide the absolute chaos roaring in his blood.

physical. It prickles the skin on the back of

nstantly sk

akes her stomach flutter in a way that has nothing to do with fear. She doesn

ssing against the cold metal wall of the elevat

and a rowdy, intoxicated group of minor socialites attempts to push their way into the already suf

p back, but there is nowhere to go. A gasp escapes her lip

ts out, his large hand wrapping securely around her bare, slender bicep. He yanks her out of the way and tow

hard into a wall

r scent. She can feel the hard, rapid thud of his heart through his suit jacket.

ping her tightly. The moment he feels the warmth of her body pressed against his, a

. Panic flares in her chest. She shoves her hands against

he smooths down the front of her dress, desperate

man who planned a corporate execution ten minutes ago is completely

ngle with the ghost of her warmth. He stares at

s. His voice is impossibl

he drunk socialites in their tracks. Mickey, the bodyguard, immediately steps f

or resumes its ascent. The silence in the car is deafening. The sexual tension is a

i

lroom level. The sound of classical music

out of the elevator and walks quickly

ark eyes are pinned to the sway of her red d

nd hands it to his boss. "Sir? Do you w

slow, dark, possessiv

ftly. "I've been lookin

meter detail. I don't care what happens in that room tonight. No one to

t of the elevator, and walks tow