There was something about him that felt almost unreal, as though he had been shaped with deliberate care, a man favored by the gods themselves, every detail of his appearance refined to perfection.
Aunt Lavinia had only intended a brief exchange, nothing more than a polite acknowledgment before continuing on her way. It was simple courtesy, after all. She expected that after Gideon's short reply, they would step into the elevator and be done with the encounter.
But just as she moved to proceed, he spoke again.
"This is?"
His voice cut through the moment, deep, magnetic, and with a faint rasp that carried an unmistakable edge of sensuality. It lingered in the air, rich and deliberate. The instant Ashley heard it, a shiver ran down her spine.
Her breath choked in her throat as a lump formed, making it hard for her to breathe, her stomach tightening in a way that felt strangely intoxicating, sending a subtle heat curling through her core.
