Blood and

lished mahogany. Valerian didn't wait for her to find her footing. He moved with a predator's pr

ave as he turned to face her. "Let's see if th

s, kinetic vibration. "You talk a lot for a man who hides behind a glass wal

ir around them. "I've been waiting for someone to actually try. Most of t

Evangeline barely ducked, the wind of his passing cuffing her hair. She spu

aunted, his eyes gleaming with

etorted, her eyes igniting

y. The room bucked. Books flew off the shelves, and Valerian was forced to release

from his lip, his grin widening into something feral

eart hammering like a trapped bird. "You want to

in. "I like you. You're a disaster in a nice dress. But you're right-the business. Lucius is mov

and trying to steady her breathing. "He's tracking the same energy I am. He thin

on his desk. He poured two glasses of amber liquid, his movements fluid and

epting the glass he offered. Her fingers brushed his, and

mixture of professional focus and something far more volatile. "My plan involves using you as the distraction. You p

he scoffed, though the thrill of the

had to look up to meet his eyes. "And I think if we work together, we can

e perfect bride for that pathetic excuse for a man. I'm not afraid of him. I'

brushed the shell of her ear. "Because I'm not real

n," she murmured, her vo

intensity that felt like a challenge. "Then l

ted through the floorboards of the Spire. The security alarm

from amusement to cold, efficient steel

knuckles turning white

one devoid of emotion. "He's not even trying t

yond them, the lights of the approaching pack vehicle

light in her eyes swirling into a tempe