Chloe’s chest tightened. She knew one wrong word could blow everything apart. Zoe’s trust, the fragile truce, maybe even Melinda’s life if Valerius lost patience.

And then Valerius’s deep voice sliced through the silence, smooth and commanding.

“She was hired to provide… a different kind of service tonight.”

Zoe blinked at him, confused. “Different… how?”

Valerius’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s just say Chloe asked for something ...