Is he saying the truth? What if this is another trap? Ava thought to herself. How can she believe him so easily when he hasn’t given her any reason to trust him?

“Well, I’m sorry if I jumped on your bones that night,” Ava muttered, her voice laced with embarrassment and a tinge of shame. “I think my drink was spiked. Someone wanted the scandal to happen by all means.”

Orion’s expression shifted instantly. He stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers with a heat that made her breath hitch. Then he threw his head back, laughing, not out of humor but relief—a deep, raw sound that echoed between them....