n's Bentley, she could see the press crowding the velvet ropes outside the Blackwell-

jacket. His tone wasn't a suggestion. "If you want to make it ou

with a look that was anything but sweet. "I don't do trick

warning. "Then consider it a command to pr

r nails into her palm to keep from flinch

uted questions, the rhythmic thump of helicopter rotors overhead. Adrian stepped out first, a wall

ut of the car without his help. Gasps from the c

rue you married Mr. Bl

you pr

his a merger o

s smile that made gossip columnists salivate. "Why settle for one da

n didn't even glance at her, but the muscle in his jaw f

tess ushered them to a private dining room glittering with crystal and candlelight. At the far

ed, rising to hug her. "D

's hand with both of his own. "We can't thank yo

r company was circling the drain, and Adrian Bla

oothly, sliding Elena's chair out for

or it," Elena muttered as

nd her throat. Her parents hung on Adrian's every word, laughing at his razor-dry jokes, praising his business acumen. H

rmured something, and withdrew to stand by the door like a shadow. Elena c

rger with her father, Marcus leaned

t like being made a fool of. And you've been

her wine. "Good. Let hi

dropped an octave. "This isn't a game, Mrs. Blac

s for the bedtime story, Mar

pagne flute was drained, he excused himself with perfect manners and led Elen

ar, his composure cracked - not much

ing his cufflinks. "Not taking my hand. Joking ab

flashing. "Good. You wanted the

control," he corrected, voice like ice.

to amuse you. Maybe I'm here to remind you that I'm

ween them felt too small. "Careful, Elena. Pawns th

hot back. "Queen me. Beca

engine. Adrian opened his own door this time without waiting for the driver, then circled

the mansion, Adrian's voice dropped to a w

es, Elena? Fine. But r

thout blinking, fire fo