Page 26 of Goldsin

“See that it stays that way,” he warns. “The Marlowes are too valuable an ally to lose because of your foolishness.”

“Of course.”

“Good. Now go.”

Just as I’m stepping out of his office, Victoria saunters in.

She’s the epitome of the classic Inferno Consortium daughter. Her chin juts out defiantly as if challenging the world to knock her down a peg. Her spineis rigidly straight.

Every inch of her screams power. She knows her worth and she doesn’t shy from showing it, imposing it, on others.

Emotions? They’re nowhere to be found on her face. She’s stoic. A smooth, unreadable statue.

She is who Lucian wanted me to be. And I guess this is why I hate her more than I should.

“Julian,” she purrs while my patience evaporates, “I was just coming to invite you to my party tonight. It’s going to be quite the event.” She leaves the nature of the party hanging in the air like a ghostly secret. But I know all too well what her parties look like.

Lucian does too, more than anyone else here. He used to attend them every time, but now he prefers to host them.

The unspoken promise of decadence and debauchery is a familiar tune to my ears.

Her black eyes sparkle as they trail up and down my navy hoodie and jeans. I could be wearing a clown suit and her eyes would still fucking sparkle.

Turning around, I slowly smirk at Lucian. “As tempting as that sounds, I have other plans tonight,” I tell her as I stare at him, my voice dropping an octave.

“Are you sure?” She takes a step closer before running her fingers down my arm. “It’s going to be a night to remember.”

“Positive,” I say flatly, brushing her hand off me. I walk past her, leaning close to her ear to whisper, “I’m not Emeric. My dick doesn’t just get hard for anything that walks. So cut the shit.”

Her eyes widen at my words, the sparkle gone.

Good.

Without waiting for a response, I move to leave my father’s office. I’m about to step over the threshold, relieved not to be forced to look at their faces for another second, when her tight voice cuts through the silence.

Loud enough for Lucian to hear.

“What a shame. I guess the golden one—what’s her name again? Oh right,Aurelia—will be left alone tonight.”

I stop dead in my tracks. “I’m not in the mood, Victoria.”

“And I’m not one for jokes.” She laughs, her gaze jumping to my father’s as his attention zeroes in on us. “At least she had the decency to show appreciation for the invite.”

Bullshit. Aurelia has never attended any of the Inferno Consortium events—why would she now?

Because she isn’t dating Adrian and he isn’t keeping her from attending anymore, the voice in the back of my head taunts.

Images of Aurelia among them, vulnerable and exposed, flood my thoughts.

Vulnerable and exposedfor you, the voice echoes.

“Fine,” I say through gritted teeth. “I’ll be there.”

“Great!” she exclaims. “The party is at nine at my cabin. You remember the dress code. Be a gentleman and let her know?”

I grunt in response, leaving the room with her nagging voice trailing behind me.

Tonight I’ll go to the party. Tonight I’ll findout whatever secret Aurelia is hiding. Tonight I’ll play with her. Tonight ...

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