C141 He had won

Raven Blackwood met Valerie's gaze, his dark eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart thud painfully in her chest.

His hand slid into hers, cold but unyielding.

The touch sent a shiver down her spine, not of warmth or affection, but of a binding inevitability. Without a word, he turned and led her toward the guest area, his grip firm, as though daring her to resist