The next morning, Lucien took her somewhere unexpected.
A private penthouse office overlooking the entire city.
Glass walls.
Black marble floors.
The space screamed power.
Ava walked slowly across the room.
"You work here?"
Lucien loosened his tie slightly.
"I own the building."
Of course he did.
She turned toward him.
"Why bring me here?"
Lucien leaned against the desk, watching her carefully.
"Because hiding you forever isn't possible."
Her stomach tightened.
"So what happens now?"
"You stay close to me."
"That sounds like prison."
His lips curved faintly.
"You're free to leave."
Ava crossed her arms.
"But if I walk out that door…"
Lucien finished the sentence calmly.
"…you'll probably be dead before sunset."
She stared at him.
"Comforting."
Lucien shrugged slightly.
"I prefer honesty."
Ava turned toward the window.
The city stretched endlessly below.
Her entire life was gone.
Everything familiar erased.
And the only person standing between her and whatever danger hunted her…
Was Lucien.
She turned back slowly.
"Then I guess I don't have a choice."
Lucien stepped closer.
His presence instantly filled the space.
"You always have a choice."
"And what would you do if I walked away?"
His eyes darkened.
"I would follow you."
Her breath caught.
"Why?"
Lucien didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he reached out and brushed his fingers lightly against her wrist.
The contact was brief.
But it sent heat racing through her body.
"Because," he said quietly, "I'm already too involved."