over the valley below like a fortress daring the world to come closer. Elena had driven past it before, back when

she

ng inward without a sound, as though reality itself parted at Adrian Blackwell

ed finally, her tone dry

ill scrolling on his phone.

ofile. "Does everything in your life ex

up. "Only if they

suppose I'll have to sta

r door before she could touch the handle. Adrian stepped out fi

pted it with a grip that was almost aggressive

replied withou

deliers glittered overhead, and the marble floor gleamed with such precision she coul

lena asked as her heels clic

," Adrian s

a retort, a voice spoke f

new Mrs. B

dark suit doing little to hide the weight of a conce

id. "Head of security. If yo

arcus said, though it sound

edged smile. "I'm sure

st slightly. "Adrian doesn

t back. "I'm the wife. You might wan

- quickly masked. Adrian didn't even react, e

to leave, Adrian added, "

me? Since when does marriage

stepped closer. "Since I don't marry

e adorable. You actually thi

d across his face before he opened the

pace, and floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with books gave the room a deceptive air o

lowly. "You're very bossy for s

ts this morning," Adria

- they kissed your shoes and offered y

calmly. "They know this arrangement be

-coated poison. "Nothing says true lo

Their company is drowning.

rned, "and I'll make sure your next

smile, but something colder. "Feisty. Good. It'll

ruptly. "You'r

nce between them, brushing his thumb against the diamond on her finger. His vo

ng. "Then you'd better contro

d. Neither moved.

as though bored. "Dinner. Seven o'clock. Your parents will

e door - then pa

usband?" she

pping to a warning. "Convincing wives a

"Oh, Adrian. You married the

st trace of something dangerous flick

osed. She wasn't afraid. Not even close. But for the first time, she won

determined