"You're late, wife."
Silence filled the living room as the two figures held each other's gaze. Ashley remained rooted where she stood while the man seated in the armchair—the spot where Lucian usually sat—tilted his head slightly.
The room was dark, and Ashley could barely make out his face.
But she knew he wasn't Lucian.
"Wife?" She narrowed her eyes and lowered her head slightly, studying the man.
For a few suspended seconds, she didn't say a word. Then, one name slipped past her lips.
"Memphis?"
The man's lips curled into a smile as he raised his head. The dim glow from the lamp fell across the side of his face, giving Ashley a better look at him.
"How clever," he mused, nodding in amusement. "I mean the fact that you seem to have anticipated this."
Memphis paused, raising one finger and moving it in a slow circle.
"I'm surprised this place is empty. Where is Primo?"
