Bound by fortune.

ng its way down her throat. Tonight, she wasn't Lila Monroe, the composed marketing executive with her life carefully packaged in n

echoed in her mind like a haunting melody she couldn't shake. I'm doing this for us, Lila. I'll always care about you. Care. That

New York's elite around her. She didn't belong here-not tonight, not anymore. But she had come for one reason, and one reason only: to los

hazel eyes, leaned in, his gaze lingering just a little too long. She notic

ore than to drown every memory of Julian until it dissolved into oblivion. The bartender slid her a fresh

e was low, smooth, and

terness. "You could say that. It's one of those nights w

ir share of late-night confessions. "Well, in that case, I'd say you're in the right place

rling the liquid in her glass, "t

to another man in a low, intent conversation. Something about the way he held himself-the commanding presence, the ease with which he filled the room-drew her in, a magnet

he answer, or maybe just the perfect distraction. She was close enough now to catch the deep timber of his voice, though his words were lo

that seemed to hold a hint of something primal, something untamed beneath the polished exterior. He was un

fter than she intended, almost

face. "Hello." His tone was cool, distant, but there wa

ly, realizing with a pang of embarrassmen

ifted in a faint, almost

oxicating pull of his presence, his scent-spice and cedar, sharp and luxurious. She couldn't remember th

e murmured, a hint of self-co

n intensity that made her pulse quicken

oment, vulnerability flashed across her face. She half-expected him to laugh, to brush he

is gaze never wavering, "m

of music and the glances of curious onlookers. They moved toward a quieter corner of the lounge, a secluded are

rk mystery of his gaze, the calm confidence in his every move. The

" she asked, barel

ch he wanted to reveal. "Ethan," he

settled over her like a cold shadow, a realiz

ing...

he glint of recognition in his eyes unm

ed at him, processing the revelation, her mind whirling with confusion, attraction, and the fa