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"Pride?"

He turned, one eyebrow arched in question.

I approached, carefully planning out what to say to make this actually work.

"I've been thinking about what you said," I began, my heart hammering. "About discussing my situation further."

Pride's expression shifted, the coldness in his gaze warming to something like interest. A smile played at the corners of his mouth—victorious, almost predatory.

"Have you now?" he said, his voice a low purr that was clearly meant to be seductive.

I nodded, infusing my posture with just enough hesitancy to be convincing. "I think you're right. Perhaps...dinner? As a thank you?"

Pride's smile widened, satisfaction evident in every line of his perfect face. "I think that would be an excellent idea."

"Friday, 8 PM at Elysium?" I suggested, naming one of the most exclusive restaurants in town.

"Perfect," he agreed immediately. "I look forward to it, Juniper. Truly."

"Excellent. I'll make a reservation."

As Pride left, I caught the subtle shift in his usual composed demeanor—a slight quickening of his step, a barely perceptible straightening of his shoulders. He believed he'd secured a date with me. That his persistence, his authority, his very nature had won me over.

He was in for quite a surprise.

I maintained my professional smile until the door closed behind him. Only then did I allow myself a small, vindictive grin of triumph.

"That's a dangerous smile," Lust's voice came from just behind me, making me start. "What did you do?"

I turned to find him watching me with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Nothing...yet."

"Yet?" His eyebrows rose. "Now I'm really intrigued."

I glanced around the office. Too many ears. "Not here."

Lust's eyes sparkled with interest. "My office, then."

Once we were safely behind closed doors, I dropped into one of the sleek leather chairs across from his desk.

"I just set your brother up on a date," I announced.

Lust stared at me.

"With you?" His voice had an edge I couldn't quite place.

"No," I laughed. "With someone else. But he thinks it's with me."

Understanding dawned on his face, followed by disbelief.

"You're pranking Pride? That's...unexpected. And honestly impressive."

"The way he acts—like reanimating me gives him some kind of claim?" I shook my head. "He needs to be taken down a peg."

"So you're sending someone else in your place." Lust's mouth curved into a slow, appreciative smile. "Someone I'm guessing Pride won't enjoy meeting."

"That's the plan. I need to find the perfect decoy—someone who'll make his evening absolutely miserable."

Lust leaned back in his chair, studying me with new interest.