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Merrick’s smile vanishes in an instant, replaced by a troubled scowl. “Juliet Calloway.”

Of course, she’s Juliet Calloway. Somehow, that makes perfect sense. “Oh.”

“Oh? That’s it? ‘Oh.’”

I shrug. “Yeah.”

“You can’t sleep with her.”

It complicates things, sure. But I’ve never shied away from anything because it’s complicated. Or dangerous. Or entirely idiotic. “Did I say I wanted to?”

He makes a circular motion in the air. “Your face says it.”

“Maybe I’m interested in negotiating a peace treaty between our families, ever think of that?”

“Quit trippin’.”

He’s right. That would never happen. Anyway, I’m not interested in her for the potential diplomatic implications. She might legitimately be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Classic, like Grace Kelly. Which is twice as amusing because, as the only child of Patrick Calloway, she is also—kind of—a princess.

“Alright, I’m out,” I say.

“Wait, what? Because she’s here?”

He thinks I’m scared because there’s a Calloway present? She’s the least frightening member of that clan. On the face of it, anyway. “No, I’m leaving because I’m not dressed appropriately for this bitty bash, but I have an idea. I’ll be back.”

“What’s the idea?”

“You’ll see. Hint: You’re a dragon, you should be very afraid of me.”

“Dragons aren’t afraid of anything!” he shouts at me as I’m walking away.

I yell back to him, “Neither am I!” As I’m leaving, I can’t stop myself from thinking, Bet I could get the Calloway Princess if I tried.

And I did try. I told myself it was for the challenge. I didn’t realize how much I had started to hope for more until it was too late…

ONE

JULES

“Stop right there, Juliet.”

Damn it. I was hoping he wouldn’t be in the living room. I know he’s looking over his books, and that usually happens in his office. I back-pedal slowly across the open archway. What part of tonight’s outfit could my father possibly find fault in? Can’t wait to find out. “What’s up, Dad?”

He gives me a once-over. “You look very nice.”

It sounds like a compliment, but it’s the start of a fishing expedition. I flatten the stomach of my lacey tank top like I’m checking for wrinkles, despite knowing there aren’t any. “Thank you.”

“You wouldn’t happen to have a date, would you?”

Strictly speaking, no. But also, yes. I can’t tell him that though. “I’m meeting Shannon and Rose for drinks.” It’s the truth, but not all of it.

“That should be fun,” he says. Then he nods at Gino and Teague, who are sat on the couch opposite of him. “You two go with her.”

“Seriously?” I fold my arms across my chest. It’s a reflex, ingrained at this point. “It’s Shannon and Rose, not a summit of the mob families.”

He lifts an eyebrow. “Tone.”

“I wasn’t taking one, I was stating a fact.”