ph

hispered, leaning closer to Hann

replied over her shoulder, tossing her bag

of t

carved into the hillside. Marble steps, fountains that sparkled

ng my clutch to my chest. My voice wavered with unease, because

ou're with me. You belong here." Her voice was firm, but her eyes softened as she

my back. "Got it," I said, summoning a courage I wasn't entirely sure

l," Hanna

ut air kisses and dazzling smiles. I trailed behind, trying to mimic her e

res did

ssing half its pieces. My palms grew clammy. My heart thudded harder. The walls sparkled with gol

ents in the foyer roses and lilies in hues that melted together li

get a better lo

nto somethi

napped, laced with annoyance an

air vanished

mering in my chest and nea

on. Stormy green eyes locked onto mine, his lips curled slightly in disbelie

ing at the scotch soaking into what had to be thousand-dol

r arm. His voice had shifted gentler, but

my feet with s

his, and the

es over spilled scotch," he said, flashing

eboot my brain. "I...I

ano," he said,

he was. Of all t

ell," I managed, voice

s. "Nice to meet you, Sophie Powell. You always walk

re I was going I mean, I was admiring

st a little too close. "Relax.

turned, desperate to find Hannah, but she

ed to an attendant. "

y, fifth door

ed and fled like my

against it, eyes squeezed shut. Get a grip, Sophie. You ju

n the mirror, I didn't see someone powerful or polished I saw a gir

as here to make connections. Clients

oulders. "Let's

people I recognized from magazines and gallery walls. My artwork came u

I fe

unmistakable sensat

d and f

ci

braced on the counter, drink in hand, eyes lock

r. Rougher. Tattooed forearms, a ja

inesse. This man was

them were

le. They didn't blink. They just looked at

us on Hannah's

ably annoyed. Maybe they know

the mirror across the r

ath hi

gone. Swallowed by t

d the ba

f their eyes on

ow much I alr