inst the dark water. Levi Hopkins stood at the fore with a squad of armed b

been forced to wait outside, and only when Charlie and his g

Levi said

ned authority, Charlie moved past him a

ind Charlie, cold and penetrating, like a hunter sizing up prey. Under that scru

lder with an easy familiarity. "Enough, Levi. That's not ap

"Don't worry. He looks terrifying because he's brilliant and sharp-edged by

d, his voice guarded as hi

Preston rubbed his jaw.

ward Preston, lowering his voice so only the two of them could hear. "So that's th

"She's stunning. Do you really think Mr. Ford woul

alm, almost clinical. "And you know the rule-beauty alone isn't enou

ther. "Still, it's complicated." He exhaled throu

head and pressed

finger, his expression tu

e him before leaning toward Preston. His voice dropped to a hushed whis

the thought landed-Charlie really

h guarded eyes, catching the way they stole glances at her between

about Charlie drawing her blood,

ond normal limits; she could read the minute shapes of their lips with ease

ling, unyielding resolve. Saving her had clearly been only one piece of a larger plan, and that unsettling realization made h

ve forward blindly, one uncertain step at a time. Escape woul

she stayed close behind him. He was the one in control here, and sticking wit

quickened her pace and

hind him and let a crooked smile tug at his mouth. At l

in after him. She hovered behind him like a skittish shadow. When he crossed to the wardrobe to grab a change of clo

. "What is it?" he drawled. "Planning to come into the bat

and fled as if the floor had caught fire beneath her feet. How was she suppose

retreat before turning and hea

sound washing through the room like a soft lullaby, a

delicate face rested against them. Fine lashes trembled faintly, like butterfly wi

loosened, the fabric sliding down one shoulder

ack out, this was the

r with careless movements and slow

eyes. Sleep still clouded her gaze, yet beneath it

quickly, Charlie realized ju

suddenly dropped over her shoulders. His low voice followed, steady and un

her gaze. He stood close, tall and un

y settled in-she finally unde

his eyes slightly. "What is it?" he

p dragging as if her feet weighed a ton. Was she really crossing that line now? Men always expected women to give them what they wanted

ter washing up and slipping into the crisp wh

ng into the distance, his broad silhouett

as if settling her resolve, then moved close

his gaze landing on her as she she

e look in his eyes suggesting he was watchi

that expression, yet she f

tant than pride, and even crushi

the pristine shirt slid down her arms and