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Scarlett turned to Isabella.

“If you need anything—and I mean anything—I’m right next door.”

Then she pulled Isabella into a hug.

Isabella stiffened for only a heartbeat before hugging her back.

Scarlett smiled as she released her.

“I’m really happy you’re here. It’ll be nice having another Syndicate sister.”

Chapter thirty-three

Lachlan opened the door to his penthouse and stepped aside for me to enter.

I made it three steps before stopping.

Warm amber light spilled across dark hardwood floors, soft rugs, deep leather furniture, and old wood with enough age and character to have stories of its own. The space was enormous without feeling cold. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the far wall, turning the Hudson and the lights beyond it into part of the room.

Behind me, Lachlan closed the door, helped me out of my coat, then shrugged out of his own and tossed them both over a chair near the entryway.

His home was exactly what I would have imagined if someone had asked me to design a place for him. It was masculine without being harsh and expensive without screaming about it. Dark wood, black leather, bronze fixtures, books, a few pieces of art, and enough softness to make everything inviting. Nothing was delicate or chosen merely to impress someone. The entire place was unmistakably Lachlan.

“You all right, Mouse?”

I turned. Lachlan stood a few feet away, his attention fixed on me.

“I think so.”

“You don’t sound convinced.”

I smiled faintly. “It’s a lot.”

Instead of asking me to explain, he held out his hand.

“Come here.”

He led me toward the windows.

I followed until something white drifted past the glass.

Then another followed, and another.

My steps slowed.

“Lachlan.”

“Aye?”

“Is that snow?”

I hurried the final few feet to the window.

Huge flakes floated past the glass, tumbling lazily through the darkness before disappearing below us. Across the river, the lights of New Jersey blurred behind a curtain of white, and snow was already beginning to gather along the terrace railing.

“Oh my God.”

Lachlan came up beside me.