h polished wood paneling and soft, gold-toned lights. My new dorm - or, as the academy c

ceilings, a bay window overlooking Central Park, crisp white linens, a glass desk with a le

keep my hands busy. Every movement was deliberate, calculat

f to collapse onto the bed,

number

's den now. Don't

ed the phone off, and s

rough contingencies. If Victor Kane was in New York, if he had access to me here, then the

what I failed to

old chandeliers, and an enormous skylight that let in the cold gray daylight. Dozens of s

ing to study the brochures laid out beside tr

ina

m directly behind

ds in the pockets of his tailored navy suit, gaze lo

ame," I said, forcing m

ps. "I make it my business t

chin. "You o

he said simply. "An

with a weight I

ther voice - warmer, teas

d at my side, hands in the pockets of a black coat that somehow looked more expensive than

for herself," Damian said

layful, curious, edged with something almost conspiratorial. "Have you eate

tarted, but

s orien

"The view from the rooftop garden is better th

amian and the reckless pull of Adrian's invitation. Both of th

back. "I should sta

in his eyes. Adrian's smile didn't falter, but I caught the quick shift

arina," Adrian said lightly,

eful who you follow here," he said qui

-

d lecture halls, the hum of whispered gossip in every corner. I caught the Sterling

throbbing. The street outside the academy was quieter than

t - that prickling sensation between my

, quickened my pace, listening. The footste

ntersection,

or K

w from the streetlamp catching t

oice carrying easily

ched. "You shou

mile was faint, almost polite. "They w

d my tee

han gold," he said softly. "And because soon

ck, my pulse pou

then returned to me. "Enjoy your tim

into the shadows be

-

he city lights glittered beyond the bay window, cold and distant. Somewhere out th

se same streets, Vic

the cool glass, my refl

. No mistake

ingle day, I'd already