Adrian Sterling slid a ruby-and-gold ring onto my finger, slow and deliberate, almost ceremonial. The gem caught the light in my apartment like a silent warning, heavy and impossible to ignore. The cold metal touched my skin, and a knot formed instantly in my throat.

I stepped back sharply, pressing my hand to my chest as I tried to pull it off once, then twice.

My movements grew frantic.

It didn't budge.

It was like it had locked itself onto me.

I looked at him, stunned, my heart raci