Chapter 4: The Velvet Trap

The stylists Julian mentioned weren't people; they were a storm.

Soon as the helicopter landed on the grass of Blackwood Manor, Elara was swept away into a world of marble, gold and women with measuring tapes. They looked at her like she was a piece of furniture that needed fixing. They washed the hospital dirt from her skin painted her face to look perfect and put her in a midnight- silk dress that felt like a second skin.

By the time they were done the girl from the diner was gone. In her place was a stranger with glowing skin and a diamond on her finger that felt heavy.

"You're late " a voice said from the doorway.

Julian stood there lean and dangerous in a tuxedo. His eyes looked her up and down. For a second he seemed to soften. His gaze lingered on her neck then dropped to the diamond.

"The dress works " he said, his voice low. "Try not to trip on the hem. I’ve already paid for the carpet I’d rather not pay for your work too."

"You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet " Elara said, trying to hide her racing heart.

He stepped toward her filling the room with his presence. He reached out. Touched her collarbone before settling his hand on the back of her neck. His touch was electric.

"Listen to me Elara " he whispered, his face close to hers. "Downstairs is a pit of vipers. They want my seat, my company and my blood. If they smell a drop of doubt on you they’ll tear us both apart. You aren't a victim tonight. You’re the woman who tamed the King of Tech. Do you understand?"

"I'm not an actress, Julian."

"You’re a daughter who wants her mother to live " he said, his thumb stroking her skin. "That's the motivation in the world. Now put on the mask. We have a performance to give."

The gala was a blur of champagne, whispers and expensive jewelry. Julian kept his hand on her back steering her through the crowd. He was charming. In a scary way.

He answered questions with wit while never letting go of her.

Where did you find this treasure Julian?" a woman asked, her eyes narrowed.

"In a place where people still value loyalty over stock options " Julian said, pulling Elara close. He looked down at her with a gaze. "She’s the thing in this city that isn't for sale."

The lie tasted bad in her mouth.

As the night went on, the tension got worse. Elara managed to slip to a balcony needing some air. The night air was cool. The silence was broken by a footfall behind her.

She turned, expecting Julian. Instead it was a man with a waiter’s jacket and a frantic look in his eyes. Before she could scream he pressed a folded napkin into her hand.

"Don't look at it now " he hissed. "Sterling isn't saving your mother. He’s perfecting her. The Sterling-9 protocol... It’s not for her heart, Elara. It’s for her mind. He’s looking for a way to rewrite memory."

He disappeared into the shadows just as the glass doors creaked open.

"Elara?"

Julian stepped onto the balcony his silhouette tall and imposing. He looked at her at her empty hands. "Who were you talking to?"

"No one " she lied, her fingers curling around the napkin. "Just... Getting some air."

Julian walked over standing beside her at the rail. He didn't look at the gardens; he looked at her profile. For a moment he looked tired.

"This world is exhausting " he murmured. He reached out his hand covering hers on the railing. It was the time he’d touched her without an audience. ". You’re doing well. Better than I expected."

"Is it true?" she asked, her voice trembling. "What you said downstairs? That I'm the thing not for sale?"

Julian leaned in his lips hovering just above hers. "Everyone has a price, Elara. I just haven't decided what yours is yet."

He kissed her then. It wasn't a kiss. It was a claim—hungry and real.

He pulled away his eyes dark.. Before he could speak, his phone buzzed. He looked at the screen. His mask of ice slammed back into place.

"The lab " he said, his voice cold more. "There’s been a spike in your mother’s brain activity. The protocol is moving faster than anticipated."

He grabbed her wrist leading her inside. Elara’s mind was on the napkin. As they passed a chandelier she caught a glimpse of the scrawl inside.

Look at the back of her neck. If there’s a light she’s already gone.

Elara looked at Julian’s back as he led her through the crowd. He was her savior. He was her captor.. As they headed toward the private elevator that led to the basement labs she realized the romance was the most dangerous lie of all.

"Julian " she whispered as the elevator doors closed, "what are you building?"

Julian didn't look at her. He just watched the floor numbers descend. "A world where no one has to lose what they love Elara. No matter the cost."

The elevator hit the sub-level with a thud. The doors opened to a white hallway and there behind a glass partition lay her mother.

Elara ran to the glass. Her mother looked peaceful. As the nurse turned the pillow to check a lead, Elara saw it.

A faint pulsing glow beneath the skin, at the base of her mothers skull.

Elara backed away hitting Julian’s solid chest. He wrapped his arms around her holding her tight. It didn't feel like a hug. It felt like a cage.

"She’s stable " Julian whispered into her hair. "She’s perfect."

"What did you do to her?" Elara screamed, spinning in his arms.

Julian didn't answer. He just looked at the monitors. "Phase three has begun. Prepare the guest room. Elara won't be leaving the manor again."