n the dead silence of 2:00 AM, it so

asleep, just drifting in a haze of exhaustion an

dero talking to someone, soft murmurs that she interpreted as intima

rfectly still. She co

fted, the leather creaking under his

e looked at the door, annoyed. He stood up, h

ed through h

the door

rde

dripping with synth

gh with sleep. He didn't open the door wider. He

the door earlier. I couldn't sleep thinking about you. I

g into her palms under

"With a little honey and nutmeg. Just like yo

it was calculated. It highlighted Amanda's role as the "childhood friend

," Cordero said. He sounde

uld see the shadow of her movement in the sliver of light from the ha

dero said shortly.

e in for a seco

N

was sha

she thought he had let her in. She thought

ipping with irony. "Regardless of how I feel about it, havi

't slam it, but he closed i

ed gasp from the oth

t out a long, heavy sigh. He didn't look like a man in love with his mistres

the sofa. As he passed the bed, h

eyes shut, br

o himself. "Sleeps like the d

onto the sofa, punchin

her eyes in

defended the sanctity of the mar

s vital. Cordero wasn't Amanda's puppet yet. H

had missed the first time. Amanda wasn't just attacking her; she was act

, Elaina thought. So I hav

he narrative. And it h

body to relax. Tomorrow was goi