Midnight draped itself elegantly across San Diego afterward while silver moonlight shimmered softly against endless skyscraper windows and cold ocean wind moved lazily through the sleeping city beneath drifting clouds and distant sirens, and high above those glittering streets Damien Cross stood beside towering penthouse glass holding crystal whiskey between pale fingers while waiting quietly for Elara's arrival.
The penthouse looked less like home afterward.
More like a kingdom built for lonely predators.
Black marble floors.
Ancient paintings.
Dim golden chandeliers casting warm shadows across expensive silence and towering walls surrounding the enormous room.
Everything beautiful.
Everything empty too.
Damien smiled faintly afterward while sensing her presence before the elevator even opened beneath the luxurious midnight atmosphere surrounding the penthouse.
Of course she came armed emotionally.
Elara trusted nobody lately.
Smart girl.
