nly once before

calm and devoid of any surprise. He didn't ask who was calling. He knew. The tho

began, her voice strained, "I need your help. My mother..." She quickly, conc

the other end. Not of con

his tone flat. "The Box, in SoHo.

r of help. It was

estion him. "Okay," she breathed. She hailed a cab and gave the address o

cer's intimidating demeanor vanished, replaced by an oily deference

perfume and sweat. She spotted Grayson in a raised VIP booth, deep in conversation with a few other men, includ

ardly at a distance,

table carrying two drinks. She purred something at him, offering one of the glasses. As she extended her ha

rying to

throat. She took a step forward,

eyes, cold and sharp, flickered d

ened to the last person who tried to play games with me?" he asked,

's face, her painted smile

rm. She didn't even have time to protest before she and her poisoned drink were being forcibly escorted out a side exit. The entire incident took less than

man's ruthlessness was breathtaking. It was one thing to hear the

ut who could also erase her just as easily. A fresh wave of doubt and

cut through the crowded, pulsing room and landed directly

walked toward him, toward the man who held her future in

-