ality. The room was dimly lit, the glow of the fireplace casting long shadows against the dark wooden shelves lining the walls. She

posture was relaxed, almost too casual, but Nayara wasn't fooled. There was always som

said, his voice

you assign me," Nayara replied, keeping her tone ev

hers. "You should know by now, Nayara, tha

ced herself to keep her expression neutral. "Is that wh

found her defiance amusing. "You

nderstand them to

ere was nowhere to go. The heavy mahogany desk behind her pressed against her

tween cruelty and justice, Nayara?" Hi

without flinching

rlight but burning like fire. "Cruelty is when pain is inflicted w

ring against her ribs. "And which o

chin, tilting her face up sli

o let him see her falter. "You think

ened. "I don't thin

rk, musky, intoxicating. Every nerve in her body was on edge, her mind screaming

ingers barely grazing her jaw before he s

then that she had been holdin

and deep. "Not as m

-

n to understand the world Ardian lived in-a world of power, control, and ruthlessness. She saw it i

ost was how easily he wi

nd pull of defiance and dominance. Ardian thrived o

he weight of his presence as he sat across from her, reviewing docu

un again," he finally s

ok up. "There

htly as he leaned back

d met his gaze. "You do

I know you don't break easily. And I know you won't stay

sharply. "Who

is lips. "Then tell me,

urse she had. She just wasn't sure if it wa

, she deflected. "Wh

ving toward the

back before she c

if her accusation amused hi

avoiding m

, his expression unreadable. "B

is words, at the quiet

, his gaze dark, calculating. "And yet, you l

. "I'm searching fo

p toward her. "Or are you sea

ld his gaze. "I would ne

razing her wrist before he pulled away.

-

sleep. She lay in her bed, staring at the c

hate

ould h

s cruel, yes, but he wasn't careless. He played with power like it was a game, but there were

ng almo

door made her s

the door opened slightly,

nded. "What a

adable in the dim light

arms, trying to ignore the way

omething in his eyes-something almost hesi

. "What doe

omething within himself before final

ffened. "I

d. "Then why do I fee

reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek. The touch

f I want to break you or..." His voice trailed off, and for

h caught.

tightened. "O

nt, the air between them felt too thick, too char

ush him away

he di

nted to run, as much as s

ew he was the only person w