Lyra stood before the mirror in her bedroom, smoothing down the front of her dress with nervous hands. The deep green fabric clung to her curves, the color bringing out the flecks of gold in her brown eyes. She had spent far longer than she cared to admit getting ready for this dinner, telling herself that it was just a business meeting, a chance to secure funding and support for her orphanage.
But deep down, she knew it was more than that. Caden Vaughn, with his piercing green eyes and his air of mystery, had gotten under her skin in a way she couldn't quite explain. She found herself drawn to him, even as her instincts warned her to be wary.
A knock at the door startled her out of her reverie. "Come in," she called, turning to face her visitor.
Aria slipped into the room, her eyes wid
