Chapter 1 - into the lion's den
The torrential rain over Manhattan hammered against the tinted glass of the Obsidian Club, an elite private sanctuary where New York’s most dangerous fortunes were traded in whispers.
Suddenly, the heavy bronze double doors slammed open.
Lena Carter stumbled into the marble foyer. She was barefoot, soaking wet, and trembling violently. Her pale champagne evening dress was torn at the hem and plastered to her skin. Dark bruises marked her wrists and collarbone, but her wide, hazel eyes held nothing but raw terror.
The room of billionaires, corrupt politicians, and armed guards fell dead silent.
At the top of the grand mahogany staircase stood Adrien Viscari. Tall, immaculate in a bespoke black suit, with sharp facial features, light stubble, and dark ink visible above his open collar, he held the entire city in his iron grip. His piercing gaze locked onto Lena the second she collapsed against the coat check counter.
Footsteps echoed from the street.
Marcus Blake stormed through the entrance, drenched, furious, his expensive tie loosened. His jaw was clenched with the manic entitlement of an untouchable corporate attorney. He spotted Lena instantly.
"Lena! Get over here right now!" Marcus snarled, lunging forward.
Lena shrank back, her breath catching in her throat as she hit a marble pillar.
Adrien didn't rush. He descended the stairs with predatory, measured grace. As he reached the bottom, he unbuttoned his tailored jacket, slid it off his shoulders, and draped it gently over Lena’s shivering frame. The warmth and faint scent of cedar and smoke enveloped her.
Marcus reached out to grab her arm.
Adrien stepped directly between them, a wall of pure muscle and absolute authority.
"She’s coming home with me," Marcus hissed, his eyes wild. "Stay out of this, Viscari. You don't know who she is."
May you like
Adrien looked down at him with eyes as cold as black ice.
"Not anymore."
