“Araneae.”

My name came from a distance as the sofa bowed and warmth came to my side. Opening my eyes, the room around me was mostly dark. So too was the gaze staring down at me. Still dressed in his suit from Michigan Avenue, Sterling laid a hand on my hip.

“W-what time is it?” I asked, suddenly aware that I’d fallen asleep after finishing my glass of wine.

Moving upward, his large hand came to my cheek. “Did you eat?”

I pushed ...