The Demon’s Pledge

Chapter 5

A Dangerous Spotlight

I had just unpacked my stuff when Adrian released the next bomb.

You are going to the Winter Gala with me tonight, he said over breakfast, pouring black coffee like we weren't still scowling at each other from yesterday.

I don't remember approving to play arm candy on day two of this meeting.

It's not voluntary, he said positively. The press will be around. My board will be present. And some very old enemies will be present.

I ached a brow. And you think showing off your new bride in front of them makes you look elusive?

It makes you look untouchable, he corrected. And that's what will keep your sister safe.

That shut me up for now.

By evening, a stylist had transformed me into someone I almost didn't recognize. My dark green silk gown clung in all the right places, slit high enough to make walking a careful negotiation. Adrian's gaze lingered just long enough to make my skin flush before he offered his arm.

You clean very well, I said.

You always did, he replied, a soft curve to his lips.

The gala was a sea of shining gowns, champagne flutes, and soft laughter that carried an undercurrent of danger. Everyone here was rich, beautiful, and difficult in their way. But they all went dormant when Adrian and I entered, their stares chasing us like vultures scaling up a rival.

Adrian's hand relaxed lightly on my back, tutoring me through the public. He didn't have to brush me at all, but the contact scorched a reminder of the mark binding us.

We ceased in front of a group of men in tailored suits, all wearing knightly smiles that didn't reach their eyes.

Adrian, one of them mentioned calmly. She must be your wife

His halt was conscious.

Mrs. Blackwood, Adrian said, his voice cool and claiming. Isla.

Their stare swept over me, assessing, measuring. I met each stare head-on, refusing to disappear.

Charming, one murmured.

I bite, I said sweetly, and Adrian's fingers flexed ever so slightly against my back.

Halfway through the evening, I excused myself to get air. The balcony was blissfully empty, and the city stretched out below like a bed of jewels.

You look like you want to jump, came a familiar voice behind me.

I didn't turn. Lucien, you shouldn't be here.

That's becoming your favorite line, he said, stepping beside me. In the soft glow from the balcony lights, his face was sharper, more dangerous than I'd remembered. I wanted to see if you'd survive your first night as Mrs. Blackwood.

I'm fine, I lied.

His eyes flicked to my wrist. The binding mark does it hurt?

Only when I'm awake.

Lucien's mouth curved, but it wasn't amusement it was something darker. Be careful, Isla. The bond doesn't just tie you to him. It changes you.

Before I could question him on what he meant, the balcony doors were opened.

Adrian.

The air between them cracked like static, and for a heartbeat, the city felt too still.

I don't remember inviting you, Vale, Adrian said, his voice low and lethal.

Lucien smiled without warmth. You never do.

It happened too fast for the human eye, maybe. One moment they were standing apart, the next Adrian had stepped forward, his shadow swallowing Luciens. The mark on my wrist flared hot, and for a split second, I saw something like black fire flickering in Adrian's eyes.

Lucien's stare went sharp, his posture movement as if ready for a fight neither of them wanted to have in public.

You should keep your leash tighter, Lucien said to Adrian, nodding in my direction. She's too tempting to leave unattended.

Adrian's jaw grasped, but his hand met mine, his grip firm enough to make my pulse trip. We're going.

The car ride back to the penthouse he was silent, the type of silence that weighs on your chest. When we reached, Adrian didn't say anything until we went inside.

Stay away from him, he said eventually, his manner like a blade gliding against stone.

You can't decide who I talk to.

I can when it could kill you.

I gazed at him, trying to look over the truth in his utterance. And what about you, Adrian? Who are you? Because whatever happened out there normal men don't look at each other like that.

For a heartbeat, I thought he had told me. Instead, he moved closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

Be careful, Mrs. Blackwood. You will not like the response.

And then he left, leaving me alone with the sound of my racing heartbeat and the sinking sensation that I had just seen the first bang in his mask.