lars towered along the perimeter, framing a scene of elegance, power, and wealth. Every guest in the room

resting. Her curls were swept into a loose bun, lips stained a daring red, and confidence painted ac

officials. He wore black on black, his tailored suit fitted like it had been made from sh

from across the room, it

eyes l

urved. It was f

ath and walked

as she arrived at his s

said to dress like I belong

ant," Damien told the group. "Smart, efficien

. She forced herself not to blink. "Th

ng that," he murmur

the guests: "L

expansions. Aria stood by Damien's side, observing everything....bo

er. She didn't fidget, she didn't b

man in a silver dress approached, looping

e missed you,

," he sa

ghtened in

, eyes sharp behind her

eplied before Aria coul

d with a mocking hum. "Prett

ence more useful than charm. Though

e faltered. Da

he murmured

yes lingering on Aria with the kind o

Aria asked once

of our partner firms. And occasion

r brow. "That

laugh. "Don't

aking a moment to breathe. The city stretched beyond,

your own

ned her, drink in hand, ja

dangerou

t," he continued. "Yo

said, voice soft. "Especial

"They underestimate

o face him fu

silence settli

magnetic. For a moment, she forgot who he was and who sh

ul with how much you im

inked.

I'll expect you to rise to eve

. "Then throw it.

s flickered in his

and that was automatically an

ooked do

e wit

"Wouldn't that

them

nd ext

her mind screamed, s

d resting against the small of h

mate. Every movement was a

her he

uch feel like

nother life. Like something between them alr

d me, Aria Mo

that

the woman

lips close to his.

e didn't let go immedia

e she'd crossed an invisible line and there was no going back.

ng else. Something no one el

rack in the armor and she'