~~~Ryder~~~

I kept my hand firmly on Freya’s lower back as we moved through the crowd, my fingers pressing possessively into the curve of her waist. The elite business gala was in full swing — crystal chandeliers, expensive perfume, fake smiles, and old money pretending to care about charity. I normally wouldn’t waste my time on these events. If I wanted something, I’d take it. No need to stand around raising bids with a bunch of pretentious fucks.

But tonight was different.

I knew the Varkars would drag their asses here. After Lincoln took that bullet for Freya, I did my research. They’d all returned to Washington after years away,...