The night in the back‑room of the club was still, the low hum of the air‑conditioner the only sound besides the soft rustle of silk curtains that framed the doorway. Miss Donnerbusen—tall, lithe, with a shock of copper hair that fell in glossy waves over her shoulders—stood in the center of the room, a faint smile curving her lips as she surveyed the dimly lit space.

Jace’s eyes widened as the rope settled against his skin, a knot forming in his throat—a mix of tension and desire. He could see the fire reflected in Miss Donnerbusen’s eyes, the same fire that had driven her to the edge of every boundary she set for herself.

“Yes,” he breathed, the word slipping out as a promise and a plea.

Jace’s voice was hoarse, barely a whisper, “Everything.”