FAZER LOGINNirvana’s POVThe rapid-fire flashes of a dozen press cameras hit us like a wave. The blinding white light cut sharply through the freezing city air, turning the dark autumn night into stark, unapologetic day. I did not flinch, and I did not raise my free hand to shield my eyes from the onslaught. The chaotic shouting of the photographers and the frantic murmurs of the high-society crowd spiked into a deafening roar, but it all felt entirely distant to me. Adrian’s firm, warm grip on my fingers was my absolute anchor, pulling me steadily forward through the center of the storm.We walked straight up the center of the red carpet. The massive secret that had dictated my entire semester was officially dead, killed right there on the pavement under the flashing lights.The untouchable, terrifying Professor Cross was walking openly into a public event, and he was holding the hand of his youngest, most promising student. The taboo was completely shattered. I could hear the shocked gasps o
Adrian’s POVThe twin-turbo engine of the black Rolls-Royce Ghost hummed with a low, barely perceptible vibration as I navigated the congested downtown streets. The thick, soundproof glass of the luxury vehicle isolated us entirely from the chaotic noise of the Friday night traffic. I kept one hand loosely draped over the bottom of the steering wheel, my attention divided between the road ahead and the woman sitting quietly in the passenger seat.Every time a stray beam of city light cut through the tinted windows, it caught the brilliant, flawless cut of the diamonds resting against Nirvana’s collarbone. The stones threw a dazzling spectrum of colors across the dark ceiling of the car, but they were absolutely nothing compared to the woman wearing them. The deep crimson silk of her gown cascaded beautifully over her legs, pooling near her silver heels. She was looking out the passenger window, watching the towering skyscrapers pass by, completely lost in her own thoughts.For the l
Nirvana’s POVThe afternoon slipped into the evening faster than I anticipated. I stood in the center of the expansive master suite, staring at my reflection in the massive floor-to-ceiling mirror. The fading sunlight outside the large windows had been replaced by the warm, ambient glow of the crystal chandelier overhead. I reached behind my back, my fingers grasping the delicate zipper of my dress. I pulled it smoothly upward until it locked securely into place between my shoulder blades, securing the gown to my body.The garment was an absolute vision of deep crimson silk. It hugged the curves of my waist flawlessly before cascading down to the floor in elegant, sweeping folds. The rich color contrasted sharply with my pale complexion, completely hiding the fading yellow bruise on my shoulder. I smoothed the delicate fabric down my hips, taking a slow, calming breath. The girl staring back at me in the glass did not look like a frightened college student dodging debt collectors.
Nirvana’s POVThe smell of linseed oil and crushed graphite filled the small campus studio. It was a scent I had associated with extreme stress and impossible academic deadlines for the last three years. Today, it smelled entirely like freedom.I stood in front of the large wooden work table, carefully sliding my final canvas into the thick protective sleeve of my black portfolio case. I had spent the entire morning putting the finishing touches on a massive oil painting. The piece featured a stormy ocean violently crashing against a solid stone cliff. It was a direct reflection of my life over the past few months, capturing the wild danger of the syndicate and the unwavering strength I had found to survive it.The National Art Board gala was scheduled for tomorrow evening. The grand ballroom downtown was already being prepped for the finalists, and the university was buzzing with anticipation. For the first time since the semester began, my hands were completely steady as I organi
Nirvana’s POVThe morning sun streamed brightly through the tall glass windows of the manor living room. It was Thursday, and the massive estate was finally quiet. Adrian had left early to handle the final cleanup of the docks, but he had explicitly ordered me to stay on the couch and rest. I sat comfortably among the plush cushions, a warm mug of herbal tea resting in my hands. My shoulder was still sore but I felt incredibly light. The constant anxiety that used to follow me everywhere was completely gone. I was finally safe.The sound of the front door opening echoed softly from the grand foyer. I expected to see Iris walking in to check the perimeter locks. Instead, soft footsteps moved across the polished hardwood floor, and Leo stepped into the living room.He was wearing a faded denim jacket and holding a small paper pastry bag from my favorite bakery near the campus. He looked exhausted, but a genuine smile broke across his face the second he saw me sitting on the couch."Iri
Nirvana’s POVHe did not ask for permission. His large, calloused hands gripped the thin silk of my nightgown, tearing the fabric straight down the center with a sharp rip. The sudden destruction exposed my bare breasts to the cool basement air. His mouth immediately closed over my left nipple, his hot tongue lashing the sensitive peak while his teeth grazed the swollen flesh. A sharp, breathless moan tore from my throat. I arched my back, burying my hands deeply into his dark hair as a heavy, pooling heat flooded between my thighs."You are the most stubborn woman I have ever met," Adrian growled against my wet skin, his voice a harsh, ragged vibration. "I try to give you a clean, beautiful life away from the blood, and you march right down into the dark and demand my surrender.""I told you I was not leaving," I gasped, my fingers tightening in his hair. "I do not take orders from you.""Is that right?" he mocked darkly, his eyes flashing with a raw hunger that betrayed how much m
The penthouse was exactly how I expected a billionaire's place to look. All glass and stone, polished grey floors, matte white walls. After all the noise in New Orleans, the silence here felt expensive. Ronan dropped my bags by the door and looked around, his shoulders dropping an inch. "It's yo
My heart wouldn’t stop thumping against my ribs. It was a fast, erratic rhythm that made my chest ache. I stared at the photo on my laptop screen until my eyes burned. It looked like a crime scene. I looked at the window. It was pitch black outside. It couldn't be real. Adrian was in New York. We h
"What is peace?" I typed the caption. "What, who, or where do you regard as your peace? Inspire me.” The glow of my phone was the only thing lighting my dark bedroom. I sat on the edge of the mattress, staring at the painting I’d just uploaded to my art profile. It was a piece I’d finished at 3 o’
The fresh white petal was more terrifying than the scorched rose had been. It meant someone had been inside my room. The locks and the height of the penthouse meant nothing to them. I felt a sudden prickly sensation on the back of my head. I looked around, expecting a shadow in the corner or a fig







