Bound to the Devil

The flashbulbs exploded like gunfire.Rowan Vale's fingers tightened around his press pass as security guards shoved him backward. "No unauthorized personnel beyond this point," one barked, but Rowan had already slipped past the velvet rope, heart hammering against his ribs like it wanted to escape.This is it. Elena Voss is here. One photo, one quote, and I can finally prove—"Well, well. The disgraced journalist returns."The voice cut through the crowd like a blade. Rowan turned slowly, already knowing who he'd find. Kael Draven stood at the top of the marble staircase, black tuxedo molded to his frame like a second skin, steel-gray eyes fixed on Rowan with predatory focus.Fuck. Of course he'd be here."Mr. Draven," Rowan said, lifting his camera. "Care to comment on your father's mysterious disappearance?"Kael descended the stairs with deliberate grace, each step echoing through the suddenly quiet ballroom. The crowd parted around him like water around stone. When he reached Row

The bullet hole in the window spiderwebbed outward like a crack in reality.Kael moved fast, pulling Rowan down behind the leather couch as another shot rang out. Glass rained down around them, and Rowan felt the sting of a cut on his cheek.This is real. This is happening. I'm going to die in a stranger's penthouse."Stay down," Kael hissed, his body covering Rowan's. The weight of him was both comforting and terrifying. "Marcus!"A door slammed somewhere in the penthouse, and footsteps approached. Rowan tensed, but Kael's hand on his shoulder kept him still."Boss?" Marcus's voice was calm, professional. "We've got company.""How many?""Three. Roof access. Elena's men."Kael's jaw clenched. "Get the car ready. We're leaving."Marcus disappeared, and Kael turned his attention back to Rowan. "Can you run?""I can fight."Kael's smile was grim. "Good. Because we're about to."They moved together, Kael leading the way through the penthouse with military precision. Rowan followed, adren

The photograph trembled in Rowan's hands like a live wire.Elena Voss is my mother. Elena Voss gave me away. Elena Voss is going to use this to destroy everything.Kael's arms tightened around him, but Rowan barely felt it. The safe house walls seemed to close in, the air growing thick with secrets and lies. How many times had he investigated her? How many times had he written about her crimes without knowing—"Rowan." Kael's voice cut through the spiral. "Talk to me."Rowan looked up, meeting steel-gray eyes that held genuine concern. He cares. This dangerous, ruthless man actually cares about me."She gave me away," Rowan whispered. "My own mother sold me like I was nothing."Kael's jaw clenched. "That explains why she's been watching you so closely. Why she knew exactly where to hit.""She knew I'd come after her eventually." Rowan stood on shaky legs, pacing the small room. "She knew I'd dig until I found the truth. And when I did, she'd have this waiting.""Rowan—""Don't." Rowan