When vampire billionaire Julian Saint Clair's loyal servant is murdered, he's forced to seek help from the one person he can't control: feisty and talented private investigator, Ruby Singh. As they work together to unravel the mystery, they must navigate their forbidden attraction and confront the dark secrets of Julian's past. But as the danger escalates, Ruby becomes the target of a powerful enemy, and Julian must choose between his oath to protect humans and his growing love for the woman who could be his downfall. "When the heart bleeds, the oath speaks." This quotation captures the idea that even amid pain, suffering, or sacrifice (when the heart bleeds), the commitment and promise made (the oath) still resonate and guide our actions. It suggests that the oath has a power that transcends physical or emotional pain and that it can serve as a source of strength and direction in times of turmoil.
Chapter 1 Murder and Mystery
Julian Saint Clair stood in his opulent penthouse, the soft glow of the city lights barely reaching the
shadows of his dimly lit sanctuary. The body of his loyal servant lay motionless on the floor, a pool of
blood staining the marble beneath. Julian's heart raced, not with fear, but with a familiar blend of rage
and sorrow. His mind whirled as he knelt beside the lifeless figure, his senses heightened, absorbing
every detail.
This wasn't just a murder; it was a message.
The servant had been his confidant for decades, privy to secrets that could shatter the fragile peace
Julian had maintained with the human world. As he stared down at the body, an instinctual dread
coursed through him. He knew he needed help-but from whom?
When the doorbell rang, Julian reluctantly turned away from the scene. He opened the door to find
Ruby
Singh, a private investigator known for her tenacity and sharp wit. She stood before him, arms crossed,
her dark hair cascading down her shoulders, eyes piercing and unyielding.
"Mr. Saint Clair," she said, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "I'm here about the
case."
Julian couldn't mask his irritation. "You don't know what you're dealing with, Ms. Singh."
"And you don't know me," Ruby shot back, stepping inside. "Let's start with the facts."
Julian raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. This woman was fearless, and in his world, that
was
a rare trait.
Ruby moved through the penthouse with purpose, taking in the lavish decor and the tension in the air.
She could sense the unspoken secrets cloaked within these walls.
"Someone close to you was murdered," she said, her voice firm. "I need details."
Julian leaned against the wall, arms crossed defensively. "What makes you think I can trust you?"
"Because I'm the best chance you have of finding out who did this," Ruby replied, her eyes unflinching.
Their banter crackled with tension, a magnetic pull that neither of them wanted to acknowledge.
Despite
his reservations, Julian felt something stir within him-an attraction that was both dangerous and
intoxicating.
As Ruby meticulously examined the crime scene, Julian couldn't help but admire her resolve. "You're
fearless," he remarked, a hint of admiration in his tone.
"Fearlessness is a requirement in my line of work," she replied, meeting his gaze. "And you? You're
hiding
something."
"Perhaps I am," Julian conceded, intrigued by her audacity. He knew he couldn't afford to let her dig too
deep. Yet the longer she remained, the more he felt drawn to her-a pull he had not anticipated in his
carefully controlled life.
Days turned into nights as they worked together, a reluctant alliance forming between them. Ruby's
determination to uncover the truth clashed with Julian's instinct to keep his world hidden. Tensions
flared, but so did an undeniable chemistry that lingered in the air.
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