Cohe

a shiver running down my spine. I gripped the tray tighter, my knuckles white, and forced a smil

cticed and precise. The chatter in the room was boisterous, f

ed, raising his glass. "That legal advice you gave me sa

his expression unchanging. "

med in. "You're brilliant, Demetri. And

pagne flute. The praise for Demetri felt like a direct i

. Davies chuckled, his gaze lingering on m

voice barely a

Come, sit here." He patted the empty seat besi

With them? And Demetri?

I couldn't quite place, gestured to the vacant seat directly beside Demetri. "Jos

king out on my skin. This was a nig

fiancée is waiting for me. And I prefer not to associate with... certain types of peo

my heart. My face burned, a furious blush creeping up my n

rned back to me, a lecherous grin spreading across his face. "Never mind, Josie. You can stay right here with me. And don't worry about the othe

e price of my humiliation, the currency of my utter degradation. I forced anoth

. His head dipped, his lips brushing my ear. I froze, my muscles locking up

m and authoritative. "My flight leaves in thirty minute

ays business with you, Demetri." He clapped his hands. "Alrigh

wanted to laugh, to cry, to scream. I bit my lip, tasting blood. The mon

spered to myself, a bitt

ly stepped out of the VIP room, the corridor was empty. Until

t. "You've certainly found your calling. Co

e. "And what about you, Demetri? Consorting with a woman who built her c

laudia to yourself! She is a good, honest woman. You, on the other hand, r

eagerly believed, despite knowing me for years? You chose to condemn me bas

ous. "There was no rigging, Josie. Only your vio

ressed rage. "You never looked deeper. You just swallowed her story who

petty grievances, while I strive for justice." He stared at me, his eyes filled with

bandoned? Better than the woman whose parents died because of your so-called 'justice'?" My chest h

ther's apology is due soon. Make sure he's there. Or I will ensure he faces the full consequences of his actions.

aking over. "Is that why you're still waiting for me in dar

d walked away, the click of his exp

. The anger slowly drained away, leaving behind a p

. It was an unknown number.

. "This is St. Jude's Hospital. Your brother

orld