The velvet trap

ed herself with estate management and business calls, but her thoughts kept returning to Gabriel Stone. There was somethin

dow, hidden behind the sheer curtains. He moved with effortless confidence, speaking to the workers with quiet authority, his slee

the grounds, there was a flicker of unspoken energy, something just beyond reach. Elena found herself inventing exc

nd herself standing once again at the edge of the east wing. Gabriel was alone, crouched near a windo

said, rising to his full h

front of her. "Curious, more than anything.

ou're always welcome

playfully. "Th

y she felt herself reacting to him. Her body, her mind, even her breath r

en working on. "The details in this house are extraordinary. You don't s

Elena replied softly, running her fingers along the smoot

er, his gaze darke

here it was-that word. T

she said, her voice

ed, but he didn't move. He didn't need to. The

around yourself, hav

"You don't know a

see it. And I think you're fina

Was she tired of hiding? Of denying herself? Of pretending sh

nt of cedar and dust mixed with something

ow step forward.

she wanted more: to flee or to fall.

outh dangerously cl

s mouth felt l

quickly, he

morrow," he said

l, leaving her breathless, confused, and aching with a

-

of P

-