A Deal With The Devil

ractured light across polished marble floors. Men in tailored suits and women in silken gowns moved through the space like well-trained p

slightly as she clutched the tray of champagne flutes balanced on

g," she murmured under her breat

er the weight of so many assessing gazes. Each step felt like walking a tightrope over a pit of hungry wolves. She was

n Bla

than man-a ghost who dealt in blood and money. A billio

s, dressed in a sharp black suit that molded to his broad shoulders and lean frame like a second skin. His hair was dark, neatly s

ion that had brought her here

woman in a red gown sneered at her, glancing down at the

a stammered, lo

ttering group of admirers. Elara bit down on the retort

Elara

t her ribs as if trying to escape. The guards flanking the staircase

she said, lifting the tray slightly

scar running down his jaw-leaned closer.

ed. "The head

er thr

gh silk. Adrian Blackwood's head was turned slightly in her direction,

tated before s

ched Adrian's table, she realized just how much of a predator he was. Up cl

d?" she asked, her voice

embling fingers. He didn't take a glass; instead, he leaned back i

here," he said finally, h

I

't l

r breath catchi

mile. "Your hands are shaking. You keep looking at me lik

m j

u want, lit

ocking, like a trap c

s, but she forced herself to me

ughter, clinking glasses, and distant music faded as Adria

of his chair. "And why would I possibly help you, when you've com

ned. "Because I have

lifted slightly

. Adrian noticed. With a flick of his fingers, t

" he said. "Us

t Pier 17 tomorrow night. The one that's supposed to be under t

Adrian's expression didn't change,

very dangerous gam

ing to s

e table. His face was inches from hers now, his

hange for this little piece

a death sentence. She flinche

r me and someon

locked onto hers as if he was trying to peel back

s with a price,"

l pa

wasn't a smile-it was something darker, some

me make one thing clear..." He leaned closer, so c

n't just make you regret it. I'll make

reaming at her to run. But she held her

derst

s never leaving hers. "Good

could feel it already-the weight of chains locki

h the devil, and there would