Beneath The Crimson Lies

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party I have been to before; brilliant lights, lavish decor, and individuals moving with an elegance that im

am a shadow among the brilliant and feel the weight of their observation with every step. Though just

lly work from. Though far from the ostentatious gowns and fitted suits all around me, I'm dressed in a basic black dre

of wealthy visitors, he is remarkable-tall, with dark hair and a serene assurance that distinguishe

aring exactly at me. His eyes are a piercing blue, and for a minute the r

g?" His voice low

stare has beguiling intensity, and I star

e says, "I'm Luca."

s gentle; something stirs inside me-an echo of hop

lmost bordering on arrogance, his eyes show a compassion that belies his tough ap

till the rest of the planet seems to vanish. One thing leads to another, and before I know it

ke it-a strong, all-consuming need that seems both thrilling and horrible. In those little escapes

faint cologne smell of Luca. Anxiety strikes. I had to leave before anyone found me

t down the street. I try to push it off, concentrating instead on the current wor

plication with rather quivering hands. I should follow my research on the Moretti family

t causes my blood to stop cold. I look at a file marked "Luca Moret

nt the night with, this man I have felt so drawn to, is not just any stranger but the he

. The man I spent an amazing evening with-Luca Moretti-is the same man whose family

o more a matter of chance. This is a complication, not one I exp

t's ShadowFox, my unidentified contact

Sensing the strain in m

I have made a mistake. Lucas Mor

uses as well. Ar

o the Moretti empire. I let myself g

ters things. You have to keep your concentration. Luca i

blind to me. "I comprehen

sonal and the stakes have just been heightened. I crossed a line I cannot undo n

retti is a strong force I will have to carefully negotiate; he is not only a goal.

tion has evolved into a high-stakes game, and I am deeper than I ever would have guessed. Though sud

consider. The line separating enemy from lover has become hazy, and danger lies

l in progress, the stak