Time of the Avenger

den glow across a sea of designer gowns and tailored tuxedos. Sophie Clarke paused at the entrance. The click of her borrowed heels was

plan to infiltrate the event. Sophie wasn't supposed to be here; the embossed invitation in her hand had someon

ack gown that hugged her curves in all the right w

ment in time: Ethan Hayes, billionaire, philanthropist, and - according to her lat

, he wore an aura of easy command. His crisp black tuxedo was perfectly tailored, and his sharp jawline clean-shaven. Piercing b

," a voice drawled beside him. Ethan glanced to his right, where A

bserving," Ethan repl

the art they are pretending to view?" He nodded toward the

turned his eyes away.

with an aura of quiet power that seemed to fit the billionaire she had read about. For a moment, her resolve faltered. Was

dn't afford to forget the pain his family's company had caused. Tonight, she would c

, using the painting as an ex

gown was simple, almost basic, and her dark hair was looped into a loose chignon. Still, it was her expression that threw him off

without thinking, lea

timbre of his voice that Sophie sen

n, doesn't he?" Ethan said, his v

, his presence was overwhelming. "It's like he's caught a moment of s

ested. "A poetic explanation. Most usuall

laying the role. "I suppos

ips quirked into a subtle smile as

e hadn't expected him to be so direct. "I see a man w

down her spine like a shiver. "You're not w

tiveness. "I suppose that depends on your d

said, his eyes never leavi

illing her body to behav

with gentle pressure. "A pleasure, Soph

mirror a hundred times over, perfecting this reaction. "I'm an artist," she lie

nterested, "Ar

eful her real job matched her cove

mpressed. "I'd love to

appeared at Ethan's elbow, his fac

oduce me to your friend?" Alex a

so slightly. "Sophie Clarke

y, taking Sophie's hand and bru

sliking him. There was something in Alex's

" Alex added with a wink. "I'm sure there a

charm. "I'm sure you're right. But I

hat sent him retreating,

urning back to Sophie. "He has a habit of

Sophie said lightly. "

rd I'd use," Ethan mut

y as she spoke about her passion for art. Despite her initial reservations, Sophie found herself drawn to him in a way she

s despair-the business ruined, his health failing until it finally took him fro

out. They went outside onto the château's great terrace, the coo

rs," Ethan said abruptly,

urned to him. "What

han said. "You're hones

chest tightening with

," she said instead. "

, softer now. "I meant what I said

d, then nodded.

ring on her as she turned to

," she breathed b

uldn't allow herself to get taken by his charm. She had something at