Page 79 of Outcast’s Vow

“I thought you said it was too complicated for you.”

“Yes, but I don’t care about what it is. What does it mean for you?”

“Everything,” she replies.

“You want to save the world, is that it?”

“No, I want to keep businesses profitable while they save the world,” Sylvie explains. “I’m not some radical idealist with grand plans. I simply want to make a difference with the abilities and the gifts I have. I want to leave the world a brighter place than I found it, even if it’s by just a little.”

Her face can’t help but light up as she talks. I must admit, her passion thrills me. I enjoy seeing it seep out of her.

“Professional, ambitious, and a secret activist,” I murmur. “It’s admirable, girl. And very fucking sexy.”

Sylvie shakes her head.

“Others don’t see it that way,” she says. “They think I’m just a spoiled rich brat playing charity with daddy’s money.”

I scoff.

“Oh, you’re far too smart for that, though.”

“Father has controlled everything in my life, but my degree and my passion are the only things he hasn’t touched,” she explains. “Can’t touch. I want to do this all on my own.”

“You have your ambition,” I say, “and I have mine.”

“Yes, you do,” she replies. “And that’s what I find very fucking sexy.”

“Good one.”

“Thanks.”

“Is that why you agreed to the Chase?” I ask. “To please your father enough to continue your studies?”

“I negotiated with Father. I just didn’t intend to be found, that’s all.”

I smile.

“It’s unfortunate,” I say as I raise the champagne glass yet again to my lips, “that you had a highly skilled hunter tracking you, then.”

“Yes. Unfortunate.”

30

SYLVIE

“How about we continue the night?” Baptiste suggests as he nonchalantly signs Velvet Vault’s very extensive bill, green eyes never leaving mine. “I’m not feeling like we’re done yet.”

God, he’s so sexy it is actually infuriating.

“Where next?”

“A bar,” he replies. “My choice.”

Is this all it takes to undo me? A handsome man taking the lead on a night out?

“Lead the way, husband.”

As we exit the hottest restaurant in town, Baptiste places his hand on my lower back to guide me out. It’s so unexpected, and it’s the tiniest of sensations, but it’s enough to send me wild. Smile, blush, or pretend that nothing is happening? I’m at a loss for what to do, so I continue walking and hope to God that Baptiste doesn’t realize the power he has over me with simply his touch.