LOGINNirvana’s POVThe cold stone of the manor’s high balcony chilled my bare feet, but I didn't step back inside. I leaned forward against the heavy iron railing, watching the first brilliant streaks of gold and bruised purple tear through the New York City skyline. The dawn was completely silent. The chaotic, violent nightmare of the past few months felt distant, replaced by a profound and permanent peace.The glass doors slid open behind me. Adrian stepped out into the biting autumn air. He didn't say a word as he draped a thick, woven blanket over my bare shoulders, immediately pulling me back flush against his broad chest. His large arms wrapped securely around my waist, anchoring me against the morning wind. I leaned back into his solid warmth, letting out a slow, contented breath."You should be asleep," he murmured, his deep voice vibrating against my spine. He pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the crown of my head."I didn't want to miss the sunrise," I answered quietly, restin
Adrian’s POVThe heavy wooden doors of the syndicate clubhouse swung open and closed in a steady rhythm, letting in the cool autumn air and a constant stream of my men. It was late Friday night, and the main floor was packed. The loud, pulsing beat of rock music played from the corner speakers, mixing easily with the rough laughter and the clinking of heavy glass mugs.I stood behind the long mahogany bar, a position I rarely took. Usually, I was locked away in the upstairs office, buried under shipping ledgers, routing numbers, and the constant, suffocating paranoia of trying to find the traitor in our ranks.Tonight, the upstairs office was completely dark.I grabbed a sealed bottle of our most expensive whiskey from the top shelf. I cracked the seal, the sharp snap of the cap completely lost in the noise of the crowded room, and set three clean glasses on the polished wood counter in front of me.The syndicate was finally completely secure. The massive data leak Jesse had tried to
Nirvana’s POVThe afternoon sun was beginning its slow descent, casting long, golden shadows across the polished floors of the manor’s east wing. I walked down the quiet hallway, my bare feet sinking into the thick fabric of the runner rug. The estate was incredibly peaceful today. Most of the men were stationed down at the outer gates or running operations in the city, leaving the massive interior of the house completely still.I was looking for Adrian. He had sent me a brief text message twenty minutes ago, asking me to meet him at the back of the house.My mind was already spinning with a dozen different plans and a rapidly growing sense of panic. Ever since the award gala, my professional life had moved at a dizzying speed. The gallery owner in Chelsea was demanding an answer by the end of the week regarding their winter showcase. I desperately wanted to accept the offer, but a massive logistical problem had been weighing heavily on my mind all morning. I needed to produce at le
Adrian’s POVThe crisp autumn wind swept across the university quad, scattering dry, brown leaves across the brick pathways. It was late Friday morning, and the campus was bustling with students rushing between their scheduled classes. I walked up the main walkway leading toward the fine arts administration building, my heavy leather boots striking the pavement with slow, measured purpose.For the last several months, I had walked this exact path wearing a carefully constructed disguise. I used to wear thick wool sweaters, simple slacks, and a pair of reading glasses I did not actually need. I did not wear a sweater today.I wore a dark, tailored overcoat over a simple black shirt, completely leaving the mild-mannered professor persona behind. I did not carry a briefcase. My hands were empty, save for a single, folded sheet of paper tucked securely into the inside pocket of my coat.As I walked past the crowded courtyard, the reaction of the student body was immediate. The loud chatt
Nirvana’s POVThe bright morning sunlight streamed generously through the large glass windows of the kitchen, casting warm, golden squares across the polished marble floor. I stood barefoot at the counter, wearing one of Adrian’s oversized grey sweaters that fell comfortably halfway down my thighs. The quiet hum of the expensive espresso machine filled the quiet space, soon replaced by the rich, comforting smell of freshly ground coffee beans.It had been four days since the national art gala, and my entire world had completely shifted on its axis.I reached into the cupboard and pulled down two heavy ceramic mugs. As the dark coffee filled the first cup, I leaned back against the counter and let out a slow, contented breath. There was no more looking over my shoulder on campus, and there were no more terrified glances at my cell phone expecting a horrific message from my mother or Jesse.The media fallout from the award ceremony had been massive, but it was surprisingly easy to handl
Nirvana’s POVThe drive back from the city had been quiet, but the air inside the vehicle had been thick with unspoken promises. The second we walked through the grand front entrance of the manor, Adrian didn't wait to check in with Iris or review the night's security logs. He guided me straight up the grand staircase and into the master suite. The moment we crossed the threshold, he pushed the door shut to seal out the rest of the world.The quiet isolation of the room set off a sudden, electric spark between us. The adrenaline from the gala, the public claim in front of the flashing cameras, and the sheer triumph of winning Portfolio of the Year were all surging through my veins at once.I stood in the center of the dark room, still holding the heavy glass award tightly against my chest. The crystal felt cool against my skin, reflecting the faint moonlight filtering through the high curtains.Adrian didn't give me the chance to walk over to the vanity. He stepped up behind me, his
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
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







