Her voice was venom in honey.

“Miss me?”

Gianna stood in the threshold like she owned the palace. Clad in a crimson dress that hugged her figure like desire, her hair twisted into shimmering gold waves, her smile was a weapon.

Two guards stood behind her, resembling obedient pets. Jasmine's body became frozen. Xavier remained still. His hold on Jasmine’s chin eased but remained in place. His body stayed tight—wound, inscrutable.

Jasmine’s heart raced within her chest, aching in the abrupt quiet that came after Gianna arrived. “What on earth are you doing here?” Before she could refine it, Jasmine's voice broke

Gianna’s eyes flicked to her. “You always had...