"Another evening out with Maxwell Roth, I presume," Evie said as she watched me get dressed.

I nodded as I slipped into the emerald green gown.

She sighed. "I'm worried, Gwen. While I've never held Jacob's gang in high regard, they're loyal. Roth controls the Blighters who, in turn, battle the Rooks for control of the city. Although he claims to no longer be in alliance with Starrick, I'm afraid he may be using you for some nefarious reason."

"He's given us valuable information," I countered.

"But nothing we wouldn't have obtained on our own." She forced a smile. "I don't think Maxwell Roth is as meek and gentle as he's led you to believe."

I nodded. "You may be right. I think I'm going to stop seeing him after tonight. I'm in way over my head on this."

"How so?"

"Last night, he invited me to a prizefight." I sighed. "It was between Jacob and one of his former actors he introduced me to that tried to seduce me. He says he didn't know, but I have a feeling he wanted me there."

"Why? What purpose would it serve?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe he thought Alexis would beat Jacob. Regardless, I feel like we're heading down a dark path and I don't want to go there."

"I'm sorry, Gwen." She patted my shoulder as she got up to leave. "I know you've been lonely since Jacob's departure and Roth has brought you out of your melancholy, but remember he's still a very dangerous man with motives we have yet to determine. Just be careful. A heartbreak will heal; death is permanent."

I knew she was right. Still, I knew I needed to see Maxwell one more time to sever the ties. He deserved to know why I was ending things as much as I needed to clear the air.

"Maxwell was really sure I'd join him if he sent you," I said when I disembarked at Waterloo and found Lewis waiting for me.

He nodded. "He's an excellent student of human nature. Shall we go?"

Within minutes we were in front of the Alhambra. Taking the side entrance, I followed him to the stage where Maxwell was already waiting for me.

"My darling, you look ravishing." He took my hand and guided me to the lavishly spread table in center stage. Two chairs and a throne surrounded the silk covered table. "You approve, I assume."

I smiled. "It's lovely, Maxwell. Thank you."

"Not nearly as lovely as you are, my dear," he whispered, his mouth nearly grazing my earlobe. "Like the winter rose, your beauty is unparalleled."

"We need to talk, Maxwell," I began, but stopped when I felt his hands come to rest on my shoulders.

"I know, my darling," he began, his long fingers stroking my throat. "I've wronged you. I've used you and lied to you. But after tonight, everything will be clear and you'll know everything I've done is for our happiness."

"You're scaring me, Maxwell." I slid my hand to the hilt of my dagger.

"No need for your little blade." His fingertips almost wrapped around my neck before he stepped back. "I have a gift for you."

I eyed him while he poured two goblets of wine. "What kind of a gift?"

"One you'll appreciate, I'm sure." He raised his glass. "To my dearest Gwen: may you always get what your heart desires. And may I always be the bearer of such joys."

I lowered my eyes and sipped my wine. "You already do too much for me."

"For you, it's never enough." He took my free hand in his and brought it to his lips in a lingering kiss, his tongue caressing my skin so softly I shuttered. He smiled. "A taste of my honeysuckle before its drained."

I bolted up from my seat, frightened by him for the first time. "What the hell's going on? Why are you acting like this?"

He laughed. "Come now, my lovely. Do you think I'd force myself on you now after so many prior opportunities? Everything will be clear soon."

"Gwen?" Jacob's voice carried across the empty stage. I turned to see him step into the light, a look of confusion and horror on his face.

Maxwell's words came back to me in an instant. His dangerous stallion, his cock of the walk. It was Jacob. It'd always been Jacob. He wanted the man I still loved.

"Ah, our guest of honor has arrived." Maxwell flitted over to him. Taking Jacob's hand, he led him to the opposite side of the table. "Come now, my darling. Don't be coy. Our lady awaits."

Jacob and I stood in front of each other just staring. I could still feel his lips on mine from the night before, reminding me just how much I still wanted to be close to him. Had this been Maxwell's plan all along, I wondered. Had he wanted to see me reject Jacob, thus, driving him into the arms of the monster himself or had he wanted to mend the bridge and create some twisted version of happily ever after for the three of us?

"I didn't know you'd be here," Jacob said. "Although, I'm not surprised. I'd heard you'd taken up with a wealthy gentleman."

"I haven't taken up with anyone, Mr. Frye," I spat back. "And as I recall, you were the one who chose to walk away last night."

"Forgive me, Miss King, for protecting my men instead of giving you the sound thrashing you deserved."

"Thrashing? Thrashing! I'd like to see you try."

"Don't tempt me." He grabbed my wrist and yanked me into him. "I may still for good measure."

I slapped him across the face, leaving a deep red mark on his cheek. When he looked at me again, I knew I'd made a huge mistake. I stepped back, stopping only when I bumped the table. His green eyes burned with rage as he grabbed me by the shoulders and held me at arm's length.

"Jacob, I'm… I'm sorry." I begged, trying to pull away from his vice-like grasp.

"Damn you, woman," he snarled, his breath coming in gasps as he glared down at me. Lowering his voice, he added, "Even at your worst, I can't stop wanting you."

He let go of me and turned to Maxwell. "Treat her well. She deserves it."

Maxwell put his arms around our shoulders and laughed. "My darlings, you're both so precious. Drama like yours is meant for the stage. Come now. Let's forget all this bitterness and enjoy the evening just the three of us."

Jacob and I begrudgingly and took our seats, but the tension was palpable as we quietly ate. Sparks flew between us every time our eyes met, but with each glass of wine the rage was morphing into something even more dangerous. By the time Maxwell tossed the first bottle and opened another, I started to forget why I was so angry and started to openly flirt with the handsome assassin across me.

"So," I asked as Maxwell pour me another glass. "How many lovers have you had since we broke our engagement?"

Jacob nearly spit out his wine. Regarding his composure, he replied, "A few. Jealous?"

I laughed. "No. I was just wondering. I haven't been with anyone since you."

Maxwell chuckled. "Not that the opportunity hasn't presented itself. Aye, my dear?"

"This isn't appropriate dinner conversation," he hissed.

"But you always said you like it when I'm vulgar." I licked my lips. "And you do make me vulgar, Jacob darling."

I saw his eyes dart between me and Maxwell before asking, "Is that all I make you?"

"Not in the least." I took another long drink of wine. "But then, you always did have a power of me."

He scoffed, but his eyes darkened. "Is that so, Miss King?"

"You know it is, Mr. Frye." I reached out and dragged my fingernail across his palm. "You know, Maxwell said he wanted to see me taken by some overwhelming brute. At the time I thought it was a horrible idea, but now." I chuckled. "I don't know."

"Our lady," Maxwell cooed, leaning forward in his throne. "Dangerous, wicked and beautiful."

Jacob laced our fingers together. "She is all that. And so much more."

I reached up and pulled the pins from my hair one at a time. Setting them on the table, I smiled as Jacob watched with keen interest. Once free, I shook it out and let it fall across my shoulders and breasts. He stared at it before his eyes eased over to my cleavage and admired the fair skin.

"You're drunk, Gwen," he warned, catching my hand when I laid it on the table again.

I smiled. "So are you."

"Dammit, woman," he snarled as he brought my hand to his lips and kissed my palm. "Why can't I get over you?"

"You don't have to," I whispered, leaning forward so he could see my breasts heave. "Not tonight, anyway."

"I couldn't." He looked away then cast a quick glance at Maxwell. "Tell me this is wrong, Gwen."

I wanted – needed – him. If it meant like this, so be it. "I wish I could."

We stayed like this until Lewis cleared away our dishes and discreetly disappeared again. Afterward, Maxwell stood and reached for my free hand. "May I have this dance, my lovely?"

I smiled, looking away from Jacob for the first time. "But there's no music."

Pulling me into a spotlight, he announced, "But there's always music in my heart when you're close."

I let him lead me in what I thought was a waltz until his hands slithered down my waist to my hips. Our bodies pressed against each other but I knew his eyes were on Jacob while he brushed his hands along my backside.

"Enough," Jacob snarled as he stormed over and jerked me into his arms.

Maxwell cackled. "Of course, Jacob darling. She's all yours. Do as you see fit."

My body roared with yearning when he held me. I didn't even bother with the pretense of dancing. I wrapped my arms around his neck, drawing him down for a kiss that seemed to last a lifetime.

"Yes, my darlings," Maxwell whispered, running his fingers through our hair. "That's lovely."

"Gwen," Jacob moaned as he drew away. Backing me toward the table, he lifted me onto it. His mouth, moist and oppressive, caught me again. He lifted my skirt and began to tear away the fabric between us.

"Tell her," Maxwell groaned, slinking up behind him. His lips caressed Jacob's earlobe as he whispered, "Tell her how you want her."

"I want you," Jacob parroted, his eyes like bonfires.

Finding the final layer between us, he yanked it away while Maxwell tugged at Jacob's clothes; dropping each item on the floor until he was naked above the waist. His chest heaved as Maxwell's graceful fingers scraped along the dark chest hair before he took Jacob's hand and guided it to my core as if leading him into the dance. Once he took on the rhythm by himself, Maxwell released his hand so he could first kiss then bite Jacob's neck and shoulders.

"Do her juices flow?" Maxwell demanded, licking his lips.

"Yes," Jacob hissed, stroking me more impatiently.

"Let's have a taste then."

Jacob removed his fingers and brought them to his mouth, but Maxwell caught them. He sucked them dry before turning to Jacob and giving him an open mouth kiss. I watched in awe while their tongues openly dueled before Maxwell pulled away.

"What a delicious peach you are, my dear," Maxwell cooed as he loosened Jacob's trousers and let them bunch at his knees. "Shall we salt the mound?"

Before I could respond, Maxwell shoved Jacob forward. Catching himself, he leaned over me ready to enter. I wrapped my legs around his waist in an effort to coax him further still. Finally, he drove into me as he kissed me again; each thrust driving me forward until I had to grip the edge of the table to keep from going over. He seized my hips to steady us, plowing even deeper inside.

Another set of hands rested over his suddenly and he ground out an oath. I felt a warm liquid slid down my legs from his back and noticed Maxwell pouring a small bottle of olive oil over him. Jacob's eyes snapped closed and he left out a massive groan.

"Let me in, little one," Maxwell purred and I realized he was adding his efforts to satisfy us. "Let me in."

After a few minutes, Jacob relaxed and matched Maxwell's thrust. I felt like I was being split open and screamed for Jacob. Tears rolled down the sides of my face as wave after wave shook me to my very core. My body felt like it was imploding, forcing me to call out again for relief.

"Finish her," Maxwell ordered through his own pants. "Do it now."

With one final thrust, both men emptied with matching grunts. Their combined weight fell on me, winding me even more. After several minutes, Maxwell let out a cackling laugh as he withdrew.

"A performance," he said, still catching his breath. "Of a lifetime. Well done, my darlings. Well done."

"Gwen," Jacob whispered, brushing my sweat-soaked hair from my face. "Are you all right?"

I nodded but looked away as the whimpers subsided. My only thought: What have I done?