though she were being driven toward a gilded cage. Tall, wrought-iron gates, embossed with a silver 'B', hissed open to reveal sprawling manicured gardens. T

t out. The silence in the car was heavy, charged wit

his silver eyes scanning her face. "She'll look at your hair, the dirt under your nails, and the way you hold your fork. But most of all, s

s lined with sandpaper. "Killian, I'm a terrible liar. I've neve

anish. His hand moved fast, his thumb brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered on the sensitive skin of her neck, his touch

r a hand, he pulled her flush against his side. His arm locked firmly around her waist

from the same stone as the statues. He led them through a hallway lined with priceless

ared silk dress the color of midnight, her white hair styled into an intimid

rasp that echoed in the vast room. "This is th

unusually soft-a velvet mask over his st

e. "Come closer, child. The l

rs thin and cold as she grabbed Elara's hand. She didn't shake it; she turned it over, inspecting the small ca

ands like silk because she's never touched anything heavier than a diamond. But you... you have th

hand down Elara's arm, interlacing their fingers so tightly it was almost pain

d Elara couldn't name arrived. She felt Beatrice's eye

f you love my grandson so much, why is it that I've never heard your name until this morni

ther at the small of her back. She looked at Killian, but his fac

use the only weapon she had: the truth. "Your grandson isn't exactly a gentle man. He's intense. He's

hand tightened until hi

inty eyes. "Intense? Killian is a stone. He hasn't shown '

n him behind closed do

e grabbed her chin, his fingers firm, and tilted her head back. In front of the but

ambition. His hand slid from her waist to the back of her head, his fingers tangling in her hair, pulling her into him until her breasts were cru

e spoke to his grandmother. "Does that look like a business arrangemen

te. Finally, a small, wicked smile touched her lips, t

But don't think a kiss proves you can survive the Blackwood name. We're having a gala this weekend to announ

ara, dear? If you're going to be his wife, you'll need to lose

" persona snapped back into place instantly. K

y private wing tonight. We have three days to turn you into a queen... an