Beneath the Gilded Veil

ion with Elena, her tense look, and the way Sebastian moved as though he were invincible. He was unable to let it go. He was troubled by the restless night and was thinking a

omething-regret? Fear? He was unable to tell. However, it caused him to doubt everything. Had she voluntar

of receiving an update on the information he was seeking, Archer grabbed for it. Rather, it was

e aim at Sebastian. Everything that moved beneath the city's surface involved her. Rising from the b

e would star

him think of her power-dark, enigmatic, unapproachable. The darkly lighted lounge was alive with quiet murmurs of conversation from customers who appeared to be too secretiv

her piercing green eyes as he sat across from

require information. Everything about S

the wine in her glass. You don't

here I came t

t." But be aware that there is a cost associated with interacting wit

understood her implication, but the risk was no lo

t areas. He won't be defeated by you using only physical force. You must have a plan. Details. Howe

elt a renewed feeling of purpose as he left the bar. There we

e vision of dazzling lights. She hadn't anticipated how uncomfortable her experience with Archer at the gala had left her feeling. Suddenl

cled her arms around herself. How had she come to be standing next to a man such

She had made bad decisions, but she wasn't so sure they were the correct ones now. W

fore. His hand landed on her shoulder with a cold, possessive stroke. He said in a casual way, "You seem

uietly than she me

ight. I wouldn't want you to lose

she was losing heart. How much

asn't without flaws. He was linked to illicit transactions, offshore accounts, and a network of dubious relationships. Examining the documents, Archer's thoughts explored the various opt

ouldn't anticipate; it would take more than just revealing the truth. Archer would make sure he w

e wall. Every thread led to a different player and a deeper level of dishonesty. Archer's finge

did she have in all of this? Could she be freed from

startled him out of his reverie. Another mes

ched. a photo of him walking inside the bar where Adeline and he had met. As he looked at the picture and unde

e else, or Sebastian? Whoever it was, they were becoming too close because

iffened, his gut reaction escalating. Unexpected guests were sel

h the spyhole. Nobody. However, upon opening it,

heartbeat accelerated. One message said, "You're

, the walls closing in. Someone

eded to play the game cautiously