her balcony, wrapped in a silk robe, staring into the vast, radiant expanse. Sleep had eluded her entirely, replaced

ist from Thalassa colony. This elegance felt borrowed, temporary. She'd grown up in simple surroundings, whitewashed cottages by the shore, modest

n, so h

d of his voice. He was wealthy, powerful, and ruthless, the kind of man her logical mind

shattered he

ownstairs immediately." Callista Mar

ed back, turning swiftly from the

ta replied crisply, her to

as she stepped into the hallway. Callista waited, impeccably dressed in crisp

lista instructed

e bustling with activity. Security officers waited stiffl

stepped forward, tall and muscu

carefully, straigh

ecurity for Theon Ariston." He stu

she asked sharply,

e. "Not yet. But that depends on your ex

pped," Ariadne snapped defe

. "Convenient. Especially given t

ly. "You think I came

ysander countered coolly. "But y

interjected sharply, slicing through the ten

commanding and intense in a tailored charcoal suit. Dark hair, p

his head respectfully but stood f

" Theon's tone was cool, his authority

y briefly before noddi

, subtle curiosity flashing b

king his eyes off Ariadne.

on alone beneath the expansive ceiling of glittering

ne challenged softly,

Theon replied, voic

e asked, eyes sharp with

htly, a whisper of something far m

to yield despite the heat colo

you tr

asking t

dened briefly, eyes intense. "This isn't

n pride sparking sharply.

e murmured quietly, regret slippi

e challenged fiercely. "

l mere inches separated them. His presence radiated heat, pow

yes glittering fiercely.

ess mingling subtly with irony.

she demanded softly, vulne

dowed with unspoken de

h, heart hammering wildl

d quietly, regret evident

is face carefully. "Maybe

tly, urgently tightening hi

he

afe. Somewhe

resist the pull of those compelling eyes.

a discreet, secured elevator. They stepped inside, tension

swiftly, gently cupping her chin. "

the quiet intensity o

ith his emotions. "Because you mat

ftly, vulnerability slipping through her

tenderly. "Good. It

ce of his private penthouse suite. Luxury surrounded them soft fabrics, opulent furnishings,