Bound in shadows
His heart was hammering against his ribs, a dark, addictive mixture of terror and desire pulling him deeper into the labyrinth.
He stopped outside Vault 3. The bronze status plate read OCCUPIED.
Julian reached out, his fingers resting on the heavy brass handle. He turned it, pushed the heavy door open, and stepped into the room.
The vault was dimly lit, illuminated only by recessed floor lights casting long shadows across velvet-covered pedestals displaying rare sculptures and locked glass cases of estate jewelry.
The heavy oak door clicked shut behind him, locking automatically.
Before Julian could turn around, a massive hand reached out from the gloom, gripping his throat with firm, unyiel