lept. Neither di

beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Manhattan pulsed w

ph

was

was

ying a game he

cutting through the silence. H

t fear. "Tell me y

o reported. "Checked in under the name Isabella Cross. Fake I

ll smile. "Of c

eticulous. Calculated. S

ept

ty?" he

e guard. She's either

knew

sn't r

taunti

the polished desk. "Have someone keep an

esitated

t do

a resigned sig

s mind already spinning

d into his wo

uld return

to

night air wrapping around her. Below, the city st

ibrated. A

: You should h

deleting the message

o longer

years living among shadows, l

Luca was

ways been

stepped into that gala. The air had chang

was hunt

o

into place. The suite was bathed in warm golden light,

w he wo

ly a matt

k at t

t on

r silk robe brushing against her bare leg

dy knew w

u

und the handle, and sh

he s

eccable. Power

unforgiving eyes-burned w

at first. He jus

e woman he o

an he h

had come bac

row. "Took you

ut an invitation, his pre

r behind him, leaning

her head. "To what do I owe

ned. "Drop the

led. "W

the delicate silver chain resting at the hollo

n dead for

er. "Clearly, that

ep closer. "Wh

o you

resisting the urge to touch her.

r," he said, voice low and let

ement dimmed.

kened. "You

ushing off the door. "

linch. "It's

lence stretche

distance between them. She felt the heat of

enemy," she murmured,

k, but there was no humor in i

eld his gaze, unwav

berate. Not gentle. Not rough. Just enoug

to remind he

sper against her skin. "You thin

brushing against his. "Dar

riating grace,

s expression unreada

old a diff

had

of them plan

at the door. His voice was quie

n't over

wine, unbothere

ehind him, a slow, danger

e game