Chapter 13 · The Sane Family Bride

The gate guard looked at my invitation, then at Ronan's hand locked around mine.

Then he looked at my face like he was trying to decide whether I was stupid, brave, or already dead.

"Miss Harper," he said. "Take off the glove."

Ronan's fingers tightened once.

Not enough for anyone else to notice. Enough for me.

The black leather glove covered my left hand from knuckles to wrist. Under it, the ring was burning a neat little circle into my skin. Not hot enough to smoke. Just hot enough to remind me it could.

I gave the guard my best bored expression. The one I used on rich men who wanted a package delivered but didn't want to say what was in it.

"You checking everyone for jewelry now?"

"Only invited guests."

"Cute."

The guard didn't blink.

Behind him, the Sane Estate spread out under the moon like somebody had built a fancy murder hotel and decided it needed more marble. White stone steps. Black iron lamps. Too many windows. The whole place sat behind a wall tall enough to keep out normal people and low enough to make a point to everybody else.

Inside those walls, Dex was somewhere.