Chapter 23

Lyra’s POV

The car eased to a stop in front of the Aurelia Luxe, its sleek façade gleaming in the afternoon sun. Regance was one of San Francisco’s most celebrated fashion houses; even from the curb, its polished glass windows and minimalist chrome accents hinted at the luxury within. Alistair opened my door and offered me his hand. I hesitated for a heartbeat—my heart fluttered at the gentleness in his gesture—then slipped my hand into his and let him guide me out of the car.

We strolled toward the entrance side by side until his phone buzzed sharply in his pocket. He paused, brows knitting into a frown, and pulled the device free. I watched the screen light his face for a moment, then listened as he spoke in a low voice. Finally he snapped the phone shut, turned to me, and said, “Go on inside. I’ll be right there.”

I nodded, offering him a small smile of reassurance, and stepped through the revolving door alone. No sooner had I crossed the threshold than a