Meet Dr. Lyra Quinn, a brilliant but chaotically detached scientist, whose world revolves around data and anomalies. Her latest obsession? Vincent Moreau, a 312-year-old vampire who's voluntarily stepped into her lab as a research subject. But why? Lyra's determined to find out.As Lyra puts Vincent through a series of increasingly unconventional experiments – from testing his reactions to sunlight (which, spoiler, gives him migraines) to his peculiar lack of a mirror reflection – their professional boundaries begin to blur. What starts as a purely scientific endeavor soon sparks an undeniable, slow-burn chemistry.With each experiment subtly mirroring their growing emotional and physical tension, Liabilities and expectations. Can Lyra maintain her scientific detachment when faced with a charming, sarcastic gentleman who's unexpectedly stirring her emotions? And what are Vincent's true reasons for subjecting himself to her scrutiny?

I have sat on many thrones. Leather ones, velvet ones, even a gold monstrosity in a Vegas vampire club once. But none, and I repeat none, prepared me for the chair in Lyra's office.


Sleek, clinical, and entirely inappropriate for what my brain was imagining. I shifted in it, resisting the urge to smirk.


She leaned over her desk, tapping away on her tablet. I had no idea what she was saying — not when her hair was falling over her shoulder like that, not when the scent of her shampoo was dancing on the air.


"…so your cortisol levels dropped significantly after the oxytocin spike," she murmured, frowning in thought.


"Mm," I replied eloquently. "Must be your voice. Very soothing."


"It's my second job," I said. "The first is emotionally compromising you until you forget this is a lab."


She snorted. "Please. I read your file. You're good with pain, terrible with authority, and allergic to sincerity."


Then she added, almost shyly, "I may have underlined it."


If it weren't for the beeping machine beside me and the cameras on the ceiling, I'd have kissed her right then.


But instead, I leaned forward, letting my fangs peek out just enough to tease.


"I'm more than charming, Lyra. I'm patient."


She arched a brow. "You're a vampire. That's called long lifespan."


We both knew I was toeing a dangerous line. But she didn't stop me. She leaned in, too.


And then, her chair squeaked obnoxiously as she stood up, breaking the moment.


"You're due for bloodwork," she said. "Back to the pokey stuff."


"Good thing you already are," she quipped.


Chapter 22 - Bonus Scene: “So...About That Chair”