nd of the main hallway. He pushed them open, and a series of motion-activated ligh

que. A private, luxurious showroom

was dedicated to shoes, hundreds of pairs displayed like works of art. In the center of the room, glass islands held a breathtaking collection of jewelry-diamo

his chin on her shoulder, his warm breath ghosting across her neck. "Do you like

while she had been plotting her escape, hating him, fearing him... he had been doing this. Quiet

ked into his dark, intense eyes. "Julian," she said, her voice thick

. "You don't want to go back there looking lik

r eyes. She walked over to a section of more casual wear, pulling out a s

dator," she said, her voice low and stead

en victim. If I show up tomorrow dripping in diamonds, it will only confirm

look of profound admiration. She wasn't just angry;

ways known," Aria continued. "They need to feel superior. They need to

silver chain. It was out of place among the extravagant necklaces. It had belonged to her maternal grandfather, a brilliant but disgraced doctor. I

hem to be so confident in their victory," she whispered, her knuckles

atory hunger in her eyes didn't repel him; it resonated with so

nd, and fastened the chain around her neck. The

, his voice a solemn vow. "

mic beat of his heart beneath her palm. "If you're there, they'll be on their best behavior. The

e instincts roaring to life. "I will n

is mouth. "I won't be alone. I want Jax to come with me. And you have to t

ared down at her, a fierce internal battle raging in his eyes. He hated the ide

You will be wired. A tracker and a live audio feed. I want to know wh

"I expected n

. Julian pulled her back into his arms, holding her as th

as Jax. "We have an update. Miss Blair Carli

ice. "Keep watching. R

her own reflection. The frightened girl was gone. In her pl

tonight," he whispered, his voice a dark, seduct

deep, searing kiss filled with gratitud

But inside the penthouse, the first move

-