yn's

at on the edge of the bed, staring at the ornate walls that now defined my new realit

tled me. "Come in," I said, t

ken, as always. "Mrs. Blackwood," he began, but quickly corrected himsel

acing him alone was unnerving. "At this hour? Can it wait til

ed. "I'm afraid it's ur

d smoothed out my d

of the house was almost intimidating, with its high ceilings and intricate carv

ahogany door. Joe knocked once before op

him. The soft glow of the moonlight outlined his tall frame. He didn't turn wh

I said, my voice fi

s piercing gray eyes

king a seat in the chair a

row, we'll have our first public appearance as a coup

my eyebrows knitting toget

l smile, you'll hold my arm, and you'll look every bit the happy f

intimidate me. "And what if I make a mistake?

f his lips. "You won't make a mistak

was unnerving. "Anything else, Mr. B

k. "Yes. Don't forget why you're here. This isn'

fused to let him see it.

ble. "Good. Joe will provide you with every

could turn away, he

ed back

y anythin

r as I left the study, my

n elaborate gown for me-an elegant emerald-green dress that clung to my figure and flowed gracefu

woman staring back looked like she belonged in

m?" Joe asked as he

I muttered under my

was waiting. He looked impossibly handsome in a ta

licker of approval, but it was gone as quickly as it

n his arm, the warmth of his touch s

s palpable. Adrian stared out the window, lost in his thou

hing lights and shouting voices greeted us as Adrian stepp

riously. Adrian's arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me c

a puppet on strings as

small talk. Adrian was in his element, charm

sultry voice interrup

ng us. Her crimson dress clung to her like a seco

reeted her, his tone

me, her smile widening. "An

waist tightened. "

f moment before she recovered. "Fian

id, surprising even myself. "Adria

int of amusement in his e

. "Well, congratulations. I ho

way, leaving a trail of ex

asked, once she

Adrian replied curtly

ent a chill d

the balcony for some fresh air. The cool night breeze w

taring at the city lights, when

our role we

n standing there, his

be a compliment?" I a

is eyes boring into mine

. "Why did you choose me, Adrian? Out

jaw tightening. Then, he leaned i

you're ex

oat tighten. Before I could respond, he turned

dows below caught my eye. A figure emerged from the dar

re watc

t racing. Who were they

re disappeared into the night, leaving