The price of his love

hat never truly slept. Isla Romano had spent years chasing its secrets, but tonight,

against the hidden recorder tucked inside. This was her chance.After months of research, dead ends, and hushed warnings from sources too afraid to speak, Isla had finally found a way into his

an elegant emerald gown, Isla stepped through the towering gla

from every guest, but it was his presence that made the air heavy. She spotted him instantly. Adrian DeLuca stood near the grand staircase, engaged in conversation w

exhaled slowly. She had covered dangerous men before corrupt politicians, arms dealers b

orld, and tonight, she would get the

sks. If Adrian even suspected her intentions, she wouldn't make it out of this hotel unscathed. "Enjoying the party?" A deep, velvety voice

rk curved his lips, as if he had already unraveled all her secrets in a single glance. Isla forced a smile, playing the role she

arely do anything without an agenda." He tilted his head, his gaze never waver

ist always has an agenda, Mr. DeLuca. We chase stories, uncover truths." "Ah." He took a step

Isla held her ground. "The usual secrets, scandals,

akable. He knew.Maybe not everything, but enough to be suspicious. Too much, too soon.She needed to retreat before she tipped her

e murmured, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he turned away. Isla

her wrist. She barely had time to react before a low voice

slowly, her heart hammering against her ribs. A man in

chill racing down her spine. He smirked, tilting his head toward A

t hurt. And if you stay, you will." Isla's pulse spiked, b

it. "That's what they all say until they realize too

ing as quickly as he had come. A sharp sense of unease settled in her stomach. Isla had expected danger, bu

ith an expression she couldn't decipher. And in that moment, she rea

. As she made her way toward the exit, the weight of his gaze burned into her back. A waiter sudd

it. You're playing a dangerous game, lit

, speaking to a group of investors. Had he sent this? Or was there another unseen player i