In the Shadows the Devil Waits

The moment she opened her door to him, her life changed forever. - “What do you think will happen to the family you so cherish if you refuse me?” His gaze darkened, shadows dancing in his eyes. "There’s no need for propriety between us,” he murmured. “Not when our indecent bargain exists, and certainly not when I’m keeping your dirty little secrets. None of this is proper.” He spun her smoothly through the rhythm of the music. And when her back brushed briefly against his chest, she felt his breath near her ear. For one dizzying moment, she could have sworn his nose, and perhaps even his lips, had grazed her hair. “You have a bargain with me, and I need you capable enough to get what I want. That makes you my responsibility.” “Your responsibility?” she repeated. “I’m not one of your people, so do not speak of me as though I am. I live under my aunt’s roof, and I will abide by her rules—” “Are you suggesting I offer you a place under mine instead?” Mischief flickered in his silver eyes. “So you may live by my rules?” - In the blossoming empire of Liandel where predators lurk not only in the shadows but also in broad daylight, Elain must pretend to be the sickly niece of a lord while hiding her true identity. She had been an expert at avoiding trouble, keeping a low profile and obeying every rule set for her. Until that one rainy night, when she tended to a wounded man during her vacation in the countryside. When they meet again in the city, she realizes he’s someone she should fear and never dare approach, so she keeps her distance. But he’s a vicious spider, always pulling her into his dangerous web. And perhaps it’s his mischievous nature, or his silver eyes that constantly challenge her, but in his presence, the mask she has worn for so long begins to slip, and she finds herself saying the wrong words or acting far too boldly for her own good. She fears the darkness. He rules it. He is everything she has always warned herself to avoid and yet she finds herself drawn to him all the same. And when corruption takes root, how can her fragile heart survive? Warning: Mature content