Noah looked at the vehemence in Gianna's eyes, noted the satisfaction curling deep in his chest, and did his best to curb the smile that threatened to spill across his lips.
She actually did hate Zane.
She actually was done with the fellow. She actually wanted the latter's empire to come to a crushing end.
He loved it.
He wanted to tell her to repeat herself, just for the pleasure of hearing the words again, to let the music of it sing once more to his ears, but he curbed that urge too, contenting himself with the knowledge that the woman he wanted was out for a rival as well.
It would make things so much easier.
"That's… convincing," he finally said, cocking his head lazily to the side as he watched Gianna. She looked as calm as a cucumber under his appraisal, but he could feel the contempt radiating off her in quiet, potent waves.
"We would make good partners then… because my presence in this state…"
He paused, choosing his words with care, testing their weight.
