Chapter 29 · Dirty Little Rules

"Stop leaning so hard into me, Nora. You're practically trying to merge skins," Sera hissed, though her lips were curled into a perfect, practiced smile for the cameras.

I didn't budge. Instead, I tightened my grip on her waist, pulling her flush against my side. The silk of her dress felt like nothing against the heat radiating off her. To the crowd at the Solis Gala, we looked like the city's most devoted couple—the Golden Hero and her fierce, loyal partner. In reality, we were two predators trying to figure out who would bite first.

"It's called romance, Sera. Try to keep up," I whispered back, my voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Or do I need to remind you who's paying your rent this month?"

Sera stiffened. I could feel the slight tremor in her muscles, a flicker of genuine irritation that sent a thrill right down my spine. She didn't pull away—she couldn't, not with a dozen Archons and a hundred nobles watching our every move—