Duet: (Rain Dance, 2)(2 Rain Dance)

I was the man they feared. The man everyone knew not to cross. With enough resources to sanction my own army, my help was requested by even the most elite of the world. And with my history, it was no wonder that legends had been told about me.That's a joke, of course... to an extent. But it was common knowledge that I didn't like to be trifled with. Luckily, my record for revenge was enough to keep most away from ever trying anything. I could be a monster. At times, a liar. A master manipulator. In truth, I wasn't quite the hero Daphne thought me to be. Still, even though I may have deceived her, I couldn't bring myself to feel any regret. Had she known the truth, she would have ran. And I couldn't have that, not when she already had me so wound around her tiny, delicate finger. The girl was heaven and sin combined. A walking paradox with fillings made up of the purest, most deliciously wicked flavors. What I felt with her transcended all conventional bounds of intimacy. So much that it made me question if I could be more than what I thought I was capable of.I had done the best of my ability to get inside her world and be exactly what she needed me to be. I had adjusted to fit her needs - to give her time, space, and some breathing room before going ahead with my plan.For her, I had put aside my wants and needs in the name of compromise. And look what happened. Never again. When I find her - and I will find her - I'm going to make it so that she can't escape. And then, once I make it known that she's mine, I'll dare anyone to try and take her from me. Let Wilhelm come. I already brought them to pieces once before. This time I'll finish the job - with a smile. After promising Daphne he would give her space, Ethan Desmond reluctantly leaves Seattle without her to conduct business across the country. But his world shifts when Douglas delivers a message mid-meeting: there's been an incident. Rushing home, Ethan eventually comes to find his house broken into, multiple dead bodies, and handwritten clues that leave more questions than answers. But worst of all: no sign of Daphne. As a full-scale search begins, with everyone questioned and every lead scrutinized, Ethan's frustration and desperation grow. He vows never to settle in the name of compromise again. So long as Wilhelm continues to be a threat, Ethan will stop at nothing to find her - and to ensure she can never slip away again. But as his obsession drives him forward, guilt starts to claw at the edges of his resolve. The lies he's told her, the secrets he's kept, and the truths he's carefully hidden for the sake of his plans may ultimately prove to be the biggest threat of all. Author Note: This is a direct sequel to Book 1 (Overture) and directly continues the story of Daphne and Ethan. Please check out my website for possible spoilers/trigger warnings.