Chapter 52

She belonged to me, but giving her my true name would give her the power to summon me if spoken just right.

I let her dangle on the silence for another moment before deciding that it was only fair that I leveled the playing field.

“Alicia ,” I said, gifting her with the social reprieve of my name.

“Alicia,” she repeated, the first and last letters getting caught in her teeth and dragged along her tongue like silk. “That’s a . . . strong name.”

“Suits him, doesn’t it?” Brian chimed in, clapping my shoulder. “Handsome devil.” His bouncy tone did nothing to rid her expression of its curiosity. “My glass is empty, bad luck at such a fancy affair. I’ll be back in a moment.”

Her hostess senses slipped back into place. “Oh, I can—”

“No, please stay and occupy my brother,” Brian said. “He has been bored to tears and I need a rest from carrying the conversation for the both of us.” He scurried away before she could answer.

She watched after him a moment before turning back to me, surprise stil