gh ceilings, chandeliers, and silk bedding the color of iv

n as the double doors clicked shut behind them. The

y movement was rehearsed. He didn't look at her-not once si

said finally, voice low and clipped. "I'll have M

tightening around the edge

ed, his tone suddenly bitt

he didn't let him see it

ehind those stormy grey eyes. Gui

d toward

le

mid-step, he

said, his tone icy. "This is a business transaction. You s

he nodded once. "Understood."The days

Meals were eaten separately. The only interaction they had was through the house staff-Margaret, who brought her breakfast and remind

were the perfect co

they lived like strangers. Ghost

he names of the kitchen staff, sketching in a hidden alcove by the west windo

untouched side of the dinner

rom him. But the indifferenc

herself awake at 2 a.m. The mansion was silen

used by his study. The door was aja

shou

feet mov

ened, whiskey in hand. He stared at the fire li

ep?" she a

t her. "What do

"Maybe I just wanted to feel l

de him

nd, the ma

d, her name sound

ian. I'm not that naive. But I'm here. I exist. I bleed. I

le

onfuse pity wi

he felt them settl

er," she whispered. "Go

ft, each step hea

raised the glass to

spilled on