Samantha's POV
I shivered along my spine the instant Royce's gaze locked with mine. Calm, cool, and radiating total control, he stood there in the moonlit courtyard. Though he wasn't armed, every stride he made toward us felt as though it were a threat. That arrogant look on his face, the one declaring he had already won before the game had begun?
I forced myself to stand my ground by swallowing hard. Beside me, Alex tightened; his eyes narrowed as he moved slightly in front of me, his protective sense triggered. Lila trailed behind us, her faint, short gasps faltering. We had the software, we were so near to escape, but now, facing Royce personally, I could feel the triumph slipping through our hands.
Royce replied, his voice smooth as silk but with an underlying malice, "You've cause
