The living room was bathed in the amber glow of several dozen candles, the scent of sandalwood and beeswax filling the air. The oversized velvet sofa had been pushed back, leaving a wide expanse of polished concrete and a plush faux-fur rug in the center of the room.
Marcus sat in a leather armchair in the corner, a glass of bourbon in his hand. He was silent, his gaze fixed on Julian and Sasha, who stood in the center of the rug.
"Remember the rules," Elena whispered, stepping out from the shadows. She was wearing a sheer black robe that left nothing to the imagination. She walked around them like a predator, her heels clicking softly on the floor. "I'm the architect. You do exactly what I say."
Julian nodded, his breath hitching. "Yes, El."
Sasha looked at Marcus, who gave her a slow
