Connor shook his head sadly. “See? This is what I mean. You escalate everything. We came to say hello, and now you’re making a scene.”

“I’m not making a scene.”

“No,” a deep voice said behind her. “You’re simply boring her.”

Chapter 2 — Ten Seconds

The atmosphere changed. Guests stepped back before Harper even turned around.

Roman Falco stood at the edge of the circle. He wore a black suit without a tie, and unlike the men who dressed to display wealth, Roman dressed as if expensive clothing were merely another tool.

He was tall, broad-shouldered, and utterly still. A faint scar crossed one side of his jaw.