The hotel bar was buzzing with late-night laughter, glasses clinking, music humming low under the chatter. Harper leaned against the counter, a cocktail in hand, pretending to listen to her friend’s story but unable to stop watching him.
Elias. The man at the far end of the bar. Dark suit, loosened tie, sleeves rolled just enough to expose tan forearms and veins that made her thighs tighten. He looked out of place among the drunken tourists, calm, sharp, like he was waiting for something. Or someone.
When his eyes finally met hers, the world shrank. He raised his glass in a subtle toast, lips curving into a smirk that promised trouble.
Her friend disappeared into the dance crowd, leaving Harper alone with her racing pulse. She should leave. She should. Instead, she let her heels carry h
