nything like the Blac

en rain-was filled with New York's elite. The air smelled like money,

length midnight blue gown that clung to her like second sk

p in a soft,

awless, and miles out

, but worth more

From boho artist to billionaire's br

ever felt more l

l," a cool voice

enough to cut glass. He looked every bit the Ice King to

ls I don't know how to

ld on to my arm. N

d-just a second-then slipped her

e moment they step

s angled for a quote. Aria smiled like her

his lips near her

ell," he murmur

at the sound of hi

membered: p

g was a p

People noticed them. The room shifted when Dominic Blackwe

, so di

he artis

he didn't d

but is she Bl

it. They posed for photos, gave a short joint intervie

d, and said the li

a charity

love at fir

privately. Ve

ofter side in me," Dom

t choked o

crowd at

n yet?" Dominic as

a replied, eyes s

d them. Early forties, with striking red lipsti

nally brought a woman to one o

stiffly. "This is

head to toe. "Fiancée? I see. Do

hilled ar

icked. There w

ed. "That's not a

hed brow. "Of course not. Wel

ay, leaving i

Dominic. "What

iately. Then, "Ancient

a fiancée

f you want this to work, yo

ce-cold, warning-mad

ies," she said quietly. "How do

pulled her toward the balcony

d below. Wind tu

e. "This deal was your way out. Your second chance.

need to pl

es

do while I smile

o one touches you. No one ruins you

him. "And

walk away... with everyt

he words th

them-with such cert

eady calculat

rt pounding in her chest. This was

was a

ot with passion

down... she knew it