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I watch as Audrey extracts herself from Vega's grip with practiced ease across the room. She leans in, says something that makes him nod, then slips away from the main party. Her movements are casual, unhurried, but I recognize the subtle tension in her shoulders. She's escaping, if only temporarily.

"Where's she going?" Marcus asks quietly, noticing my attention shift.

"Restrooms," I say, watching as Audrey makes her way toward a hallway that leads away from the main floor. "This might be my chance."

Ben looks confused by our sudden change in topic, but Marcus understands immediately.

"Cover for me if Vega starts looking for her," I tell Marcus.

"Always," Marcus says with a nod.

I move through the crowd with practiced ease; years of security work having taught me how to navigate spaces without drawing attention. I keep Audrey in my peripheral vision, maintaining enough distance that she won't notice me following but close enough that I don't lose her in the crowd.

She turns down a hallway that leads to the private bathrooms, away from the noise and eyes of the party. The corridor is dimly lit, the music from the main room muffled by distance and thick walls. I check for security cameras, spotting one aimed at the hallway entrance but none covering the bathroom doors themselves.

I watch as she slips into the women's restroom, glancing over her shoulder once before disappearing inside. The hallway is empty now, offering a rare moment of privacy in this very public space.

This is my chance. My opportunity to get answers. To understand why the woman who gave herself to me so completely in San Diego is now wearing another man's ring. To see if the connection that blazed between us that night still burns beneath the polished exterior of Audrey Worthington.

Without hesitation, I move toward the bathroom door. I can hear the soft sound of water running, then silence. I wait a moment longer, ensuring the hallway remains empty, then push open the door and step inside.

Audrey stands at the marble sink, her hands gripping the edge as she stares at her reflection in the mirror. When she sees me in the reflection, her entire body goes rigid.

"We need to talk."

EIGHT

AUDREY

I back up untilthe cold marble counter presses against my spine.

“Reign.” I swallow hard. “I—I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Clearly.” He takes a step closer, his massive frame making the spacious bathroom feel suddenly claustrophobic. “You left without saying goodbye in San Diego.”

Heat crawls up my neck. “I had a plane to catch.”

“And a fiancé waiting?”

The words slice through the air between us.

“He wasn’t my fiancé then.”

“But he is now.” Another step closer. I can smell him now. He smells of cedar and something darker. “That happened fast.”

“It was arranged. The engagement was finalized when I got back from California.”

“Arranged.” His mouth twists around the word like it tastes bitter. “What century is this?”

“You don’t understand how my family works.” My fingers twist together nervously, the diamond on my left hand catching the light. His expression hardens as his eyes track the movement.

“Then explain it to me.” He plants his hands on the counter on either side of my hips and cages me between his arms. “Explain why the woman who came apart screaming my name is wearing another man’s ring.”

“That night was a mistake,” I lie.

“I don’t think so, Princess.” He leans closer. “Your body remembers me. I can see it in the way you’re breathing. The way your pupils are dilating. The flush spreading down your neck.”

My tongue darts out to wet suddenly dry lips. His eyes track the movement with predatory focus.