Chapter Five – The Claiming

Four men in matte black suits and featureless black masks stand motionless along the mirrored walls. They are Lucien’s personal security. They do not speak. They do not blink. They simply watch.

The stranger closes the door behind them and turns the lock.

He releases her arm at last and steps back. For a long moment he does nothing but look at her, the way a collector finally regards the masterpiece he has waited years to own.

“Remove the dress,” he ...