Page 83 of Power of Shadow

My mouth falls open in shock, then snaps shut. I had no idea Zoe was watching me so closely, and I certainly didn’t know she could see the change this man was having on me.

“Zoe—”

“Calm down, Ash. I’m just happy to see you like this. No matter what the future holds. Now let’s go, because I’m dying to see his face when he sees you.”

In two steps, I’m next to Zoe. I hug her. “I love you,” I whisper in her ear, then kiss her cheek.

In response, she laughs and pushes me toward the living room door.

I resist. “Wait. Tell me first if you found out anything valuable about the Pact.”

In my spare time, I tried to find out everything I could. However, I’m not as good at digging as Zoe. I let her work her magic on the web.

“Nothing specific that I haven’t already told you. Most of it’s just legends circulating. Personally, I think someone is watching over the information that’s coming out. Controlling it. Now, stop thinking about work and let’s go.”

When I enter the living room, Ryker is standing in the middle wearing a charcoal gray suit. The top button on his white shirt is undone at the neck. His hands are in his pants pockets. His black hair is elegantly slicked back—I feel like messing it up a little. And the cologne I’ve been smelling since I walked in. It’s seductive, masculine, intoxicating. My mouth waters, and I’m tempted to fall to my knees.

Meanwhile, he’s watching me with those big eyes of his, his gaze intense. He doesn’t even try to hide his desire as he looks up and down my body.

Goosebumps appear on my skin.

Does he like what he sees?

“Wow,” he says in a hoarse voice, pulling his fist out of his pocket and biting it. “Just fucking wow.”

“He may not be eloquent, but he looks delicious,” Zoe whispers loud enough for him to hear. I can barely contain my giggles.

“You look beautiful, Ash,” he adds. “I’m lucky to be by your side.”

He finally approaches me. His kiss on my cheek and the touch of his hand are so warm, and his scent makes me feel dizzy.

My sister can’t resist commenting, “That’s a little better.”

“You look very handsome too.” Why do I say these few words with a trembling voice?

I just want to eat him up. Ryker is like a cookie that no woman can resist. Of course, I keep these thoughts to myself.

“Just for you, my Little Killer.” He winks with a smile.

I can officially say that high society gatherings aren’t my favorite. All anyone cares about is money, business, or free exposure. I won’t say it’s not beautiful, but I’m so bored I can’t stop yawning.

“Do you know what it would take to make Mrs. Rise look stunning in that white dress?” Ryker’s whisper directly into my ear. I’m almost certain he’s doing it on purpose. A gentle touch of his fingers here, hot breath there, a light laugh with a kiss on the cheek. It drives me crazy and ignites the darkest corners of my soul.

“What?” I look at the mean woman we exchanged a few words with. Every gesture she makes shows everyone around her how inferior they are.

“Some blood stains.”

I glance around quickly to see if anyone can overhear us. I’m relieved to discover we’re somewhat isolated.

Amused, I look into Ryker’s eyes, where cheerful sparks dance. My laughter bursts out in a way that is unbecoming of a lady, and this amuses him even more.

“You’re incorrigible,” I say.

“I’m romantic,” he corrects me. “And don’t tell me you haven’t felt like killing someone here, even for a second.”

“Maybe I have, maybe I haven’t.”

This evening is only bearable because I’m with him.