ella

enthouse clicked shut, the dam broke. The humiliation of Julian's betrayal, the

floor. Glass shattered, scattering like my pathetic illusions. Next went the crystal decanter he ha

asping for air, he moved. In two strides, he pinned me against the wall, his massive frame caging me in. He didn't

lcone," he commanded, his voice a dark, absolut

my voice cracking. "I

e murmured, his grip tightening on my waist. "

dn't even flinch. With humiliating ease, he caught my leg, his large hand gri

inst his solid back. "Put me down

from mine, his eyes burning with dark intent. "A monster you woke up, tesoro(treasure)," he whispe

ragged out of my sanctuary and shoved into the passenger

wer, I grabbed a sleek black box I had snatched from the entryway tabl

n't try it on. Instead, his large, calloused hands gripped the collar, a

tossing the shreds aside. "From my shirts down

the only weapon I had left. "What good a

the back of his hands bulged as he gripped the stee

nd garage of Moretti Tower. As he parked the beast of a car and opened his door to step

elding smile. I leaned across the console, my lips brushing his ea

ove my knee upward, hard

loose grip, shoved his heavy frame the rest of the way out the open door, and scramble

window just enough to meet h

l Isabella Blanchard," I declared, my heart pounding against my ribs. "

ng against the concrete as I tore out of his gar