A lie, of course.
She studies me with those remarkable eyes. There’s intelligence there—not the rehearsed talking points of a political puppet, but something genuine, and it makes this vendetta more interesting.
“Mr. Hayes, we both know there’s no such thing as ‘purely conversational’ in Ravenwood.” She takes a deliberate sip of champagne, her lipstick leaving a perfect crescent on the glass. “Everyone wants something.”
She’s smarter than I anticipated.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. Xavier. I excuse myself momentarily and step aside to take the call.
"Liam." Xavier's voice comes through my phone, smooth as aged whiskey. "I assume you've seen the updated participant list for the Hunt."
I step away from the crowd, finding a quiet corner near the silent auction tables. "I have. Six prey this year instead of the usual five."
"Sharp as ever," Xavier says with what sounds like approval. "Then you know Cora Pike has been added."
My jaw tightens. "I was under the impression my request for her inclusion at purgatory was... exclusive."
"Plans change," Xavier says, now sounding amused. "You're not the only one interested in the Pike girl. Dominic Vega convinced me to invite her first, after all. Then Ryder Caldwellmade his own compelling argument why I should manipulate the results to ensure he catches her. Seems the mayor has made quite the collection of enemies."
I watch Cora across the room, the way she slips between conversations with practiced ease, all while keeping a subtle distance from her father. "And you're telling me this, why?"
"Consider it a courtesy. Three hunters, one target. Makes for an interesting game." Xavier pauses, letting the implications settle. "May the best man win."
The call ends. I slide the phone back into my pocket and reassess the situation. Dominic Vega—the developer whose waterfront project Pike torpedoed. Ryder Caldwell, whose gambling enterprises suffered under Pike’s moral crusading.
Three men, each with legitimate grievances against William Pike. Each now focusing those grievances on his daughter.
I watch Cora laugh at something an elderly donor says, noting how her eyes remain alert, watchful. She’s more compelling than I expected. More complex.
This Hunt became considerably more complicated. Dominic is ruthless, strategic. Ryder is unpredictable, adaptable. Both men are dangerous in their own ways.
But I’ve never lost a case I truly wanted to win.
4
RYDER
Purgatory breathes differently on Hunt night. The air’s electric, charged with anticipation and the subtle perfume of power. I slip through the entrance, nodding to the security guard who knows me well enough not to check my credentials.
The corridor stretches before me, dark wood paneling absorbing the low lighting. I’m headed for the control room—got to check the odds before things kick off—when a voice cuts through the ambient murmur.
“Caldwell.”
Dominic fucking Vega. Standing in an alcove with his tailored suit and that expression that always makes me feel like I’ve been caught cheating at his table. And beside him, leaning against the wall with practiced nonchalance, Liam Hayes—the silver-tongued devil himself.
Great. The apex predators have cornered the new blood.
I plaster on my game face. “Gentlemen. Fancy seeing you both here. Pre-hunt strategy session?”
Dominic’s eyes narrow. “Heard an interesting rumor about your chosen target tonight.”
“Did you now?” I keep my voice light, approaching them with hands in pockets. “Let me guess, you two are also hunting the mayor’s daughter.”
Liam’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Seems our esteemed mayor has a talent for making enemies.”
“Among other talents,” I lean against the opposite wall, completing our little triangle of mutual distrust. “Like killing legitimate business enterprises and grandstanding on moral superiority.”
“While beating his daughter,” Dominic adds, his voice carrying that dangerous edge that makes smarter men step back.
