the man's attitude ease just a fraction, a fai

ght, Logan and I will be formally engaged. It's only natur

unfathomable, like an endless sea at midnight. "Let

werful hands dragged her from the vehicle

-but Jackson reacted instantly, restraining

e crushed against the pavement, Danny glared

ded Claire. Panic flooded her as she pushed agai

p, slanted eyes narrowed. He slowly raised her chin with one long

d steadiness into her tone. "I strongly su

ng, the man dipped his head and sei

s completely blank. Her eyes widened in disbel

oice was laced with ridicule. "

rang through the night t

y to the ground, froze in d

his was the first time he had ever seen anyone dare to slap hi

ead jerking sharply to the side. "Th

d. "If you let Danny go and allow us to leave now, I'll act as though this never occurred. But if

ve never even met Logan," he said coolly. "Wha

gaged if we hadn't? He fell for me at first sight-that's why he insisted on a swift e

ce resolve. "You'd better release us immediately-because once

r clenched fists betrayed the

ng seconds. Then, Logan's lips curved into a faint

.

the restaurant lobby when they were promptly inter

ed deeply into her expression as she grasped Danny's f

lickering in his eyes. "I didn't want

protect him. "I asked Danny to take me out for a short drive. He

ed. "You could have gone for a drive a

d you act so carelessly at such a critical moment? Every guest has already arrived

slightly. "I'm sorry

tested anxiously. He couldn't stand watching her

ance at his watch. "The engagement ceremony is abou

mber. "Escort Danny to tend to his injuries

, "go backstage and to

dressed in black step out at that moment.

s Car

together before fallin

hasized his wide shoulders and slender build. An unmistakable air of nobl

seeing Carsten-even from behind-ha

ment ceremony and wedding mor

nk of a new chapter of her life-a

e arr

ent. Only then did she notice they had sto

d quietly as she ste

d softly with

reached out and seized her wrist. His brows

"You had an opportunity to vanish. To walk away fr

who had promised her a future-over and over again. In a calm, unwavering voice, she replied, "Becaus