Chapter 51

Camille turned to face him, found his eyes glinting with something that might have been admiration, might have been challenge, might have been something deeper neither of them was prepared to name.

"The phoenix only rises through fire, Mr. Pierce," she replied quietly. "And fire is a dangerous element to play with."

His smile deepened, genuine amusement replacing careful social masks. "I've never feared burns, Ms. Kane. The most valuable things in life are often forged in ...