The Despirate deal

ouds that matched Lena's mood perfectly. She stared out at the skyline from her bedroom window, fingers wrapped aroun

ldn't,"

yes had lingered on hers... it hadn't felt l

it in her mind. The closenes

Adrian wasn't just anyone. Beneath that cold exterior, she sensed something broken,

r phone pulled he

a, Adrian's

at the charity gala tonight is still on. Your gown and shoes will be delivered by noon,

inked.

y high-profile. Expect media presence. This wil

wed hard. "

idn't belong in Adrian's world-not among socialites and billionaires, not b

aining an elegant navy gown-strapless, form-fitting, made of shimmering silk tha

ck, sharp eyes, and magic hands. Within two hours, Lena's hair was swept into a

inspecting her handiwork. "That man of you

explain the strange limbo they lived in-husband and wife on paper,

even, Adrian

ing softly in the light, a matching dia

in his tracks w

down to the slit revealing one smooth leg, then back up to meet her eyes. For th

oarse, like he hadn't spoken

unsure what to do with th

roat, extending a

uld feel the strength beneath. Adrian Blackwood was all hard muscle and contained power, and fo

-

hotels, in a ballroom that sparkled with gold and gl

he limo. Lena stiffened, but Adrian's hand slid

th, his lips close to her ear. "And

beyed. She smiled, leaned into him, and let

ests, and curious eyes. Adrian introduced her

my wife

wi

hollow, but they didn't. The

nd accepted compliments with practiced grace. But the entire time, she

ed, speeches ma

the evening, Adrian extend

"I haven't da

l le

ce floor. His arm slipped around her waist, firm

lost in a bubble of soft

ching," he said

kno

e doin

ying the trophy w

u're more than a trophy. You'

m. "Is that your id

softene

ose brief moments where his walls cracked jus

g a part, Adrian," s

ked with her

, they simply moved together, t

ugh the room, and Lena realized they'd bee

-

ouse in silence. The city glittered outside the w

for her room, but Adr

ta

ze. "Ad

"We said no emotion

emem

also remember how you looked ton

d. "This isn't wh

rules are

ould have reminded him that their m

ser. Let his lips capture hers in a k

oamed her back, pulling her flush against him. Her fi

oke apart, they were

n't..." sh

orehead against

her of t

les... were mea