After Damian stepped out, leaving me alone in the study with my gown wrinkled, my mask dangling from my fingers, and the unmistakable evidence of what we had done still warm between my legs.I stood there for several more seconds, pulse still elevated and listening to the distant return of the orchestra.Somewhere in the house, a camera flash went off and the flash burned behind my eyelids.I fixed the gown as best I could, smoothed the silk with hands that were not entirely steady, and slipped the mask back into place. The mirror above the desk showed a version of myself that looked almost composed — hair slightly disordered, mouth still flushed, eyes too bright. Anyone looking closely would know something had happened but I could only hope no one looked that closely before I regained the rest of my control.I left the study and closed the door behind me.The corridor felt longer on the return. Every portrait of previous Lee's seemed to watch me pass. The muffled music from the ballr
Last Updated : 2026-09-07 Read more