ird floor. My pulse drummed a frantic rhythm against my ribs. Every instinct screamed that this meeting-this "arr

ed to trust him. The Bait was to tell her that I wanted us to go over everything once more. This was what I did abd she agree

ive perfume mingled with the cool air-conditioning. I paused at th

m last night-the blackmailer. She was leaning casually ag

he said smoothly. "Or if you'd chicken ou

steady. "I came because I want answe

I like that. Rarely do people walk into my trap voluntar

ne. You've photographed me, watched me, threatened me

have no choice. Because your husband can't protect you, and your lover..." Her lips curled at th

e that clear. His presence alone reminded me of the

closer to the glass coffee table that separ

hotos spilled over-more than I thought possible. Every angle, every vulnerable moment, captured in perfec

won't draw attention. And in exchange..." She paused, tilting the folder just

file, it would be a theft of trust, a breach of Max'

ing them anyway?" I asked, vo

t I have too much invested in this game. And believe me,

gerous, yes-but calculated. She wasn't reckl

Max would know. Julian would have to burn bridges to protect me. And I..

Julian. Shirtless, dark eyes blazing, every inch the stor

He didn't move closer-yet. He didn't need to

ightly, as she straightened. "So the knight

said. Every word was a blade. "Not when it

u have no idea what's at stake, Julian. You think this is ju

e, warning. I felt the heat of it, the unspok

lled. "I don't care how high the stakes are. You want acces

thin line. "Bold," she said. "Very bold.

her view. I pressed back subtly, letting the warmth of him ground me. My heart raced-not

, "stay here. Calm. Nothing will

closing in on prey. Words were exchanged, sharp, precise, strategic. I couldn't hear everything, bu

ct, but her smirk gone. Julian turned back to me, ten

is fingers brushing against my temple. "They won't t

e reassurance his presence always

a vow all at once. "Then we'll burn th

lingering thrill of danger wash over me. There would be battles ahead. There would

e was