Chapter 48

A week later.

First person POV

“Nothing says intimacy like ten strangers adjusting your neckline,” I muttered, holding still while someone tugged the off-white satin around my chest for the fifth time.

Across the room, Ryan was in deep conversation with James, speaking in low, sharp tones. A garment bag hung on the back of the door behind them.. his tux. Midnight black. Tailored to domination.

Ryan glanced at me once, briefly, then back to James.

Of course. Always business.

I sat still while someone pinned a soft curl behind my ear. The stylist smiled politely, but I didn’t return it.

Because once again, I felt like a pawn dressed up for someone else’s war.

Only this time, I’d agreed to it.

That was the worst part.

I chose this.

For Jonas.

For revenge.

I stared at my reflection, touched the simple diamond earring Isla helped me pick out earlier, and swallowed hard.

This wasn’t just smoke.

“What happens,” I said without looking up, “when the smoke becomes real?”

Ryan’s voice came from