o Heathcliff, his eyes wide. "He

ked on Ada. His grip tightened on his glas

recognized her. An awkward s

the host to the best table in the house-the large, circular booth

murmured. "Tonight,

eye. "I'd like to order some drinks for some company," she said, her voice smooth as si

black card Ada slid across the table ha

rough the club. Eight impossibly ha

rough Vortex. A woman, holding court with

His wife. Using his money. In his cl

the men gathered around her. "Help yourselves," she sai

liment her dress. Ada didn't pull away. She raised her glass, her red l

nched as if he

er ear that made her laugh, a real, un

heard her lau

This vibrant woman was a stranger. He watched her laugh with

e sudden, violent movem

ea

her table, a palpable aura of col

ng. She touched Ad

dn't falter. In a final, deliberate act of provocation, she leaned her he

was

, he grabbed Ada's wrist. His grip was like iron. He haul

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