't even granted the right to hide away and lick her wounds. The Hamptons weekend arrived with a deceptive tranquility. The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and bloomin

en insistent-Kain's orders-and she hadn't had the strength to argue. She wore a

. As she stepped onto the grass, the conversation seemed

using on the perfectly mani

arm looped through Kain's. She was stunning in a flowing white sun

or a fraction of a second. Then it widened, be

. She detached herself from Kain and glided across the lawn. "Darling

into a stiff line. "T

a's arm. Her touch was light, but her eyes were sharp. "Being a wido

rfect smile right off the other woman's face. Inste

ge with a blank expression, offering no help, no defense. But Adelia could feel h

e tents. Adelia found her place card at the far end of the table, as far from the

in close, whispering something in his ear, her finge

echanical. She didn't taste the food. It was like eating cardboard. Her s

Baylee lapped up the attention, detailing the venue, the florist, the guest list. Every few mi

en. She dropped her knife and fork, the si

he didn't wait for a response. She hurried away from

cold water on her face. She looked at herself in the

pped back into the hallway. Sh

McMahon cousins, a man with a leer that made her skin crawl.

ck, her eyes flas

t, blocking her path. "Come on, don't be like that. I

She pushed past him, her shoulder kn

t, grabbing her arm. She was yanked sideways, p

ain stood between her and the exit,

with him?" he demanded

disbelief. "Are you se

her up against the wall, his hand reaching up to grip the back o

ace inches from hers, "not t

ire burning in their depths. He looked l

" she

are mine. You don't talk to

through the closed door. "Kain? Are you

uickly, he released her. He stepped back, his expression smooth

hot her one last warning

lee, his voice perfectly cal

heart was pounding so hard she could hear it in her ears.

nd the storm was o