ballroom of the St. Regis hotel was a gala

ontouring that reshaped her high-society profile. Her makeup was flawless, a calculated mask of serenity designed to d

hanks to a small signal jammer in Elba's clutch

Sloane whispered, giving Elba's hand

e excuse to break away. She moved with purpose, not towards the restroo

enerous "tip" for his troubles-had secured his cooperation. The USB drive with its damning contents was already in his possession,

d-paneled elevator and pressed

ot out, stopping them. It was a man's hand, long-fingered and p

and presence stepped inside. He leaned on a black ebon

him. His face was brutally handsome, all sharp angles and severe lines, but his expressi

e had seen photos of him in financial magazines-the reclusive CEO of Nichols

r button. He was obviously h

lent ascent. Then, without warnin

Elba K

ne, hit her like a physical blow. Her heart slammed against her

espite the panic rising in her chest. "Yo

lips-there and gone in an ins

But your eyes give you away. They haven't changed since the last time I saw you. Two years ago. At the Sterling New

t thought anyone had noticed he

onversational. "I also know you're not here as anyone'

but he clearly wasn't fooled. And something in his manner-th

ve done a long ti

he gave a single, slow nod, as if she had j

was all

, but the sudden shift caught her mid-step. She braced for impact against the wa

. Solid. She could feel the slow, steady b

ticed grace and stepped away. "Tha

careful tonight, Miss Knight." There was weig

rival. The doors opened to the

eart pounding. She didn't loo

de-a man named Nash Tucker. The words were quiet, mean

night. If anything go

response: