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I suppose it’s easy to have black-and-white morality when you’ve never had to face any adversity.
But then I think back to something my Criminal Law professor once told us. When looking for clues in a case, if you hear hooves, think of horses—not unicorns.
“There are lots of things in this world we don’t understand, but that doesn’t mean they’re not true.”
“Are you really implying that the Blackhollow family—one of the most prominent, wealthiest families in all of New England—has been sacrificing people? For power?” “Well, it’s never been proven, but yes, those are the rumors, and I believe them.” A muscle tightens in his jaw. “That family is… evil. And the murder you’re investigating certainly fits the pattern of Veil rituals.”
They already know you’re here. The Veil’s reach is extensive. And your client, Damien Blackhollow? He may look pretty and respectable, but there’s a deadly monster hidden under all that gloss. He’s the worst of them. Trust me on that.”
I’m overdressed for the day, but it never hurts to look professional. One thing I’ve learned—people are quick to dismiss someone who looks like me. Young. Blonde. Female. Dressing to be taken seriously doesn’t always fix the problem, but it helps.
“Your father was involved with the Veil,” he says. “Your mother’s death—there’s more to the story than you’ve been told.”
“Just remember—sometimes the truth is more dangerous than the lies.”
Though Lucien and Damien share the same gorgeous features—the dark hair, the aristocratic jawline, the powerful presence—Lucien’s darkness is sharper, more menacing, like a deadly cobra snake. Damien’s darkness is magnetic; it pulls you in. Lucien’s makes you want to run.
Damien watches me like he’s trying to understand me. Lucien watches me like he already does.
Both Blackhollow brothers are terrifying but in very different ways. Damien’s danger is fire—it consumes, burns, pulls you in with its warmth even as it threatens to destroy you. But Lucien? Lucien is a blade. Cold. Precise. Sharp enough to cut through bone. I don’t know which scares me more.
Though I’m the one who told him to leave me alone, I didn’t actually expect him to listen. He doesn’t seem like the type to listen to anyone. I sort of thought he was more… I don’t know—invested in me?
The safe choice may be exactly what I need… I’m just not sure it’s what I want.
But then I remind myself—this is just a silly society ball. A fantasy. So I place my hand in his, and Damien Blackhollow pulls me into his arms, twirling me across the floor like something out of a fairy tale. If fairy tales had murder suspects for princes.
“It’s against every instinct, every damn shred of control and self-preservation I have, but I can’t seem to stop myself when it comes to you.”
I can’t allow myself to fall for this man, no matter how much he makes my heart race. I’m not the kind of woman that believes in fairy tales and happy endings, not after everything I’ve seen in my life.
“Convenient is the last thing you are,” he mocks, his laugh bitter and low. “You’re reckless. Headstrong. The most infuriating woman I’ve ever met.” He takes a step forward, gaze burning into mine. “And yet, no matter what I do—no matter how hard I try—I can’t get you out of my fucking head.”
Like a moth to his flame, I’m drawn to him against all reason. But that’s the thing about moths and flames. That pretty fire kills.
Love is what makes me whole. Love is what makes me brave enough to do what needs to be done.
“The hardest thing isn’t dying. It’s living—and you’re going to have to do it for the both of us now.”
But all the power in the world is worth nothing if I have to lose my humanity to achieve it.
“If things were different… if we had more time...” he says softly, his voice barely audible over the chanting. “I would’ve given you the world.”
“You know I meant what I said back there, right? That I’d die for you,” he says, stepping closer, his gaze holding mine. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. I would’ve bled for you. Burned for you. Without you, I’m already dead.”
“You don’t have to be afraid anymore, James,” he whispers. “You’re mine now. And I don’t let anyone touch what’s mine.”
