The limousine purred smoothly through Manhattan’s glittering streets, its tinted windows shutting out the world. Aria sat stiffly against the leather seat, her fingers knotting together in her lap. The city lights blurred past, but she barely saw them. All she felt was the heavy weight of his gaze.

Ethan Blackwood didn’t bother to hide it. He sat beside her, one arm draped casually along the back of the seat, his tailored suit molding perfectly to his tall frame. His presence was ...