He exuded the same kind of quiet authority as Damien—not the shadow of it, but a parallel. The same air of command, of danger dressed in elegance. As if the world bent just slightly when he walked through it.
She couldn’t look away.
Whoever he was, it was obvious: he wasn’t just important.
He didn’t scan the crowd. Didn’t nod. Didn’t smile.
Until his gaze landed on her.
Then—unexpectedly—his lips curved into a wide, charming smile.
The kind that felt warm. Familiar. Like they’d known each other for years.
Maya froze.
That can’t be right.
He must be smiling at someone behind her… or beside her.
She glanced around.
No one.
Just Harper standing nearby.
That’s it. He’s probably smiling at Harper.
But just as she settled on that conclusion, Harper jabbed her sharply in the ribs.
