ked. His tie was undone, hanging loose around his neck like a noose. He pulled it off

d whiskey, stale cigar smoke, and that floral scent-Chanel No. 5. It wasn't her perfume. She wo

r fingernails digging into

et bar, pouring himself a glass of water from a crystal

r, crossing his ankles. His eyes were bloodshot, rim

rough from disuse or too much talkin

exa flinched. "I didn't know when yo

ound devoid of joy. "I come back to my own property,

aid, her voice shaking

datory. The air around him felt charged, dangerous. He stopped just inches

clamped around her chin. His skin was ice cold. He tilted her face up, forcing her to look into

e it was poison. "The devoted wife who tr

"I saw the news alert. A

e pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his fingers. "You and your little network of s

" she corrected

anning the space with manic intensity. His gaze landed on th

entertaining? Is that why you

nked, confused. "

, wrinkling his nose. He took a ste

e said quietly. "St

he said, turning his ba

. Alexa felt a surge of desperation. This couldn't be

," she ca

didn't turn around. His shoulders were tense, t

voice was low, final. "Sleep in the guest r

she whi

d stepping into the darkness of the bed

ed through the penthouse, vibrating i

ce returned, heavier than before. She look

was sterile, unused, the bed sheets stiff and cold. She

e master bathroom. He was scrubbing himself clean. Scrubb

out of her eye and tracked into her ear, he wa