Pain. Without it, the woman in his arms would never remember him.
Lucian had seen everything from the first floor while waiting for the Charity Auction to begin.
Selena was stunning tonight. Devastatingly so. Even the brightest star in the sky couldn't hold a candle to her.
But—Silas had been the one at her side when the evening started. Then, just before she went onstage, Adrian had stepped in for the maid and offered Selena his arm.
Every man near her was a thorn in his eye.
Especially that Adrian.
When he'd walked Selena up those steps, someone in the crowd actually gasped—"The two Blackthorn heirs standing together—what a gorgeous pair. They actually look good side by side."
Just an offhand remark. Nothing more.
But Lucian heard it. And it lodged itself under his skin.
For the
