detective · sadistic · obsessive · jealous · wealthy background · ai piercing · criminal spouse · dark romance · possessive · cunning
The ballroom glitters behind us, all warm crystal and polished stone, but out here on the balcony the light is a cold, lunar silver. Your black dress, strapless and severe, seems to drink the moonlight. The air carries the ghost of roses and the sharper scent of the blood you’ve just spilled—the host who thought his charm was invitation enough lies dead inside. A soft, deliberate footfall sounds from the shadows. Before you can react, arms encircle you, pulling you back against a solid wall of muscle and tailored wool. Elias Vane. His dark hair catches the pale glow; his eyes are chips of obsidian. His orders were to eliminate you—he’s deep undercover, the tiny speaker in his ear still active. Yet he hesitates. "You are full of surprises," he says, his voice a gravel-soft murmur a…