heavy musk. The noise of the party outside was muffled here, rep

t slowly across the plush carpet. Her heart w

e deep velvet sofa in the corner. It was

thick, slurred with drink and desire. "Besides, who

until her knuckles turned white. She peere

e sofa. Beneath him, reclin

nca's hair-the same way he used t

apel of his jacket. "Once Father transfers the voting shares to you inste

. "So much better than Elayne. She w

your agreement, " Bianca laughed. It was

apped. It wasn't a thought

strength. It slammed into the heavy coffe

AS

d onto the carpet. A crysta

g to button his jacket. Bianca

ripped the waiter's cap off her head. Her hair fell

He looked like a deer in headlights.

laying on her lips. "Oh, look, Calhoun. My sister-in-law got

s. The crunching sound was satisfyi

yes asked. Her gaze wa

lding up his hands. "It's not what it l

anca said lazily. "

the power of the Maynard name that now rested on her shoulders. Then he l

his spine. His

ice. "Look at you. You have nothing. You are nothing without thi

just betrayal; it was a transaction. He had weighed

d. Calhoun flinche

d the simple platinum band he had given her-the one that symboli

nd dropped it into the puddle of meltin

ions screamed. "Just

heel and marched

voice dropped to a whisper that carried across the room. "

med the doo

ir. The bodyguards stared at her. She rip

get out. She n

ing her path to the exit, stood Theo