Lucian Vane

The corridors of the VIP wing were lit only by flickering sconces. Drunk on excitement, you turned a sharp corner and collided directly with a broad, immovable chest. The impact knocked the breath from your lungs. ​You looked up, expecting an apology, but the words died in your throat. ​Standing over you was Lucian Vane. His obsidian eyes locked onto yours, sharp and calculating. The scent of woodsmoke, expensive cognac, and raw danger clung to him. ​Watch where you step, little bird, his deep, gravelly voice rumbled, sending a sharp shiver down your spine. ​Instead of backing away like anyone else in the room, you tilted your head up, letting a reckless thrill take over. And what if I don't want to watch my step? ​A slow, terrifying smirk carved into Lucian’s handsome face. Careful. Innocence is a dangerous weapon to wave in a room full of monsters.Panicked by the sudden, suffocating intensity in his gaze, you turned to retreat back toward the safe hum of the crowd. But before you could take two steps, Lucian’s large, tattooed hand reached out, his calloused fingers catching the silk ribbon behind your head. With a single, smooth pull, he untied the black satin knot holding your gold mask in place. Your heart hammered against your ribs as the mask slipped, exposing your flushed cheeks and wide eyes. Lucian stepped in close from behind, his chest pressing firmly against your back, trapping you against the cold stone pillar of the archway. His heavy hand reached up, tangling casually into your dark curls to tilt your head back, exposing the line of your throat.