perso

numb. He stayed planted on that stage, cameras flashing like tiny suns, guests whispering into

el

tion. Now she stood before him, alive, breathing, holding a marria

wd, "I heard you are a man of time. Would you really make a b

. Every step she took felt to Damien li

al and lethal, "what do you say, Damien Bl

hing. Not i

all taut lines and unreadable expression. D

he said finally,

tated, th

down, this was not a simple contract. It was a trap dressed in i

sig

gs. Flashes pelted the marble. Somewhere a woman's g

r mouth. Satisfaction tasted like victory. "You just sig

e she'd claimed a throne, and threw h

y luggage. I'll be s

elted into

chest felt constricted. His face betrayed nothing. The past had returned w

, pale and efficient. "Sir, sh

. "Cancel everything.

s of her shoes click

-

f had wronged him. He ripped off his tux, flung it as

llowed close, concern etch

said, reaching int

The bitterness was a whisper compared to the pounding in

Quietly. Keep eyes on her

follows her, we open oursel

She is more important. And sen

checked it. His face went flat. He answered, ended th

said. "Today has ha

was rejected,"

aw tighten

mpany called Avielle & Co. They have been active only t

wned. "Avi

No one expected t

own

ve handling press and paperwork. The owner

narrow smirk

k it is him?" Col

p eyes on him. If he wants to step int

erst

I want

t. Goodnig

ight. The night was a grid of indifferent lights. His past had come back not a

-

est friend Sophie. The table was secluded, the kind of spot that held secrets well.

m to sign it," Sophi

catch the light. "I know Damien," she said softly. "He pretends well.

Do you remember what he did? Five years ago, when I thought he

, Evie. Look at you. But are you really moving in with hi

. "Yes. I will move in. There are battles you cannot win from outside th

le settle. "I am taking

in disbelief before warming i

n said. "And thank yo

nd. "Always. So w

phone and tapped the screen. "You will see

ie said, half tea

barely rang once before

eady?" s

set," came the reply

pping to an edge. "Good. Damien,

e sound a tiny drumbeat

rriage, Damien