mind spinning like the city around her. Her father had just traded her future for another merger, another powerful handshake wrapped in silk lies. Betra

tand, her mother's voice echoed in her mind. But how was a woman su

axi s

ncing at her through the rearview mi

, her voice lik

in like second thoughts, and her hair, once elegant, now stuck to her face in rebellious curls. But

place known for attracting Lagos' most powerful and most bro

s leather seats and polished wood. Low jazz curled in the air, mingling with perf

trailed her, whispering recognition, but none dared approach. She was

u don't belong here,"

ike sin. His jaw was sharp, his cheekbones severe, and his eyes-storm

she asked, r

at his lips.

ink. "I'm not loo

pany fou

something wild barely restrain

e asked, curiosity win

cent of bergamot and da

e," h

cticed. Too perfect.

running,

. "Why would

ow the look.

thing sparked between t

ed with her drink. D

ones w

gently. "And the

w yet, but this stranger wasn't just a man with a smooth name. He was chao

ended, Mara's life wo