THE BILLIONAIRE'S MASQUERADE

side Vale Manor lik

wrapped around herself. The fire crackled, casting shadows along the wa

across from

chi

relight. Silver, Cold,

like

er," Aria said softly. "Evie w

ied. "She was your handler." "And yo

nything?" "Yes." He glanced back. "How?" "I would've known what I was dealing

. "I'm broken," she snapped. He

t from the night before-a keepsake chest marked with the Vale family cres

om your mothe

heart

oth part of the founding generation of Blackthorn's Elite Circle. They

spered. "And your fami

Lucien muttered. "My fath

Lucien?" she asked. "Really." He looked at her mask on, emotions off. "Be

oked up, breath catching. His presence overwhelme

s," he murmured. "But you

His gloved hand reached up and bru

long in this world. But y

ven't accept

efore she c

ssed

ft

ow

was test

n't. His lips were warm, his fingers light o

sed him

e pulle

rd

to play games

'm not playing," he said quietly. "You kissed me," she snapped, heart racing. "And

ghts l

f clouds, her thoughts tangled like wires. She n

e heard the vo

ng when I'd se

sia

llow trees, dressed in black, si

ween two liars." "I'm not asking you to choose," Cassian said,

fr

Lucien's starting to care about you," he said. "But the momen

n't kno

than you ever will." "Why do you hate him?" H

wer. Instead, he reached into his coat

want the truth." Then he was gone. Aria returned to Vale

ed aside and let her in. They sat by the fireplace again cl

Lucien stiffened. The fire hissed. "Yes." The word landed lik

n't know what to say. Lucien stood, walked to

to your mother," he said. "It's not

trembled as s

n bloodlines. Warnings about betrayal.

ns to me, trust th

t. Lucien watche

ect you, Aria. Long bef

r prisoner?" He stepped closer. "You were," he mur

nt but visible. A burn that twisted across

hand

l sh

erable.

respects perfection," he said. "But

epped f

the side o

pull away. "Why show me

first person I don't want to lie to." The door burst open. Cas

The one your mother sealed." Lucien sh

h the Midnig

mething onto

et. A broken mask. Luc

..." Cassian turne

le. One that's been