Strings of deceit

hogany desk, a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf crammed with case files, and the warm glow of the lamp casting shadows across her well-tailored suit. She was every bit the

ened with a

e stood Ste

short-cropped black hair, and those stormy blue eyes that had once haunted her dreams. Stephan had a reputation, too powerful, ruthless,

id, his voice

didn't have to. He

she bit back, her voice sharp, but

unreadable smile. I had to come. You

everything that happened? You still think I'd work

em closing. His gaze never wavered. It's

ast thing she wanted to hear from him. The last thing s

ding it across the table toward her. His fingers grazed hers,

htly, but his gaz

at will change everything. I'm giving you a chan

hest flared up again. Was it a game? O

g the case details everything she'd ever wanted. Fine, she mutt

. The late afternoon light slanted in through the windows, casting a soft golden hue over the room. But inside, Paisley was anything but calm. Her mind r

codes and cross-referencing information as she

transaction, buried in a corner of the records, disguised under layers of false paperwork.

eces began to form a bigger picture. But it wa

rk with an emotion she couldn't name. He was playing a game one she hadn't agreed

a wealthy family they were connected to something darker. And that dark c

e: Was she willing to expose them all? Could she really destroy Step

she closed her eyes. She could feel it t

ubbing the back of her neck. The day had been long, filled with endless research and frustration. Her thoughts kept drif

is

was a direct h

r? she snapped into the phon

oice was calm, but there was an edge t

m not meeting you anywh

e deepened, insistent. I'm at your office

t racing. Why was he being so persistent? What

ed within her. She couldn't avoid

st the marble as she st

r voice icy. And if you think you'

urn to me, Paisley. Just.

but she was already

a man she could easily dismiss. And before she knew it, she was stepping into the night,

had once broken her heart. The man wh