Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 2

A faint, golden light illuminated the contours of the man's face, sharpening his

striking features. He looked distant, his expression cool and detached aloof restraint that was both forbidding and irresistibly alluring.

He frowned slightly, about to turn and leave.

an air of

Suddenly, Effie's slender, pale fingers gripped the sleeve of his dress shirt, clinging to him as if he were her last lifeline.

Her heart raced, and the man's unique scent seemed to swirl around her, clouding her senses. Flashes from the private lounge replayed in her mind, and she found herself thinking-if Mitchell could do it, why couldn't she?

"Let go," the man said, his entire being radiating an icy, implacable chill.

"No," Effie replied, her voice as soft and teasing as a kitten's purr, the kind that tugged at your heart and made you want to draw closer.

He glanced down at her, the corners of his mouth curving faintly.

"No? Do you even know what happens next if you don't?" His tone was laced with danger and a dark, magnetic charm.

"Would you be interested in marrying me?" Effie's eyes were rimmed with red, but she gathered all her courage to get the words out.

She knew it sounded insane.

she just wanted someone-anyone-to marry. This wasn't a

always wished she'd settle down. She was supposed to marry Mitchell, but after tonight, that was never going

and she didn't want to

than

the man wasn't wearing a ring.

had to try,

his crisp, clean scent wasn't unpleasant to her at all. If anything, it

time that night, her mind was perfectly

took in his refined, almost otherworldly features-eyes clear

It was him.

even know who I am?" His voice was low and resonant, thick with a magnetic pull

head jerked up in

Lyman Etheridge.

could it

Who was Lyman, anyway?

was the famous prince of Neo-Arcadia-enigmatic, influential, and rumored to have conquered Wall Street at fifteen. When he so much as tapped

sort of man socialites lined up to marry. Brilliant, ruthless, utterly untouchable-crossing him

the last man anyone in their right mind

profile, her lashes trembling

fact, she'd met Lyman twice