ir between them, sharp and heav

scorn into her voice. "What am I afraid of? I'm afraid of whatever i

excuse. Vague enoug

" she added, letting a shiver run through her for effect. It wasn't har

perceptibly. He had seen his brother's

l couldn't

ends." He released her arm but moved to block

f contract," Avery insisted, her v

rt, contemptuous sound. "Penalty?

orial whisper. "I need you, Ms. Hopkins. You ar

e," she

"You don't have th

his suit jacket and pulled out a c

te, then tore the check from the book w

she asked, he

ed thousand dollars. It's yours whe

aze dropped to the number wr

was the key that could unlock every cage she was in.

known and terrifying danger. On the oth

in her eyes. The hesita

found h

o her hand. Her fingers

commanded. "An

a lead weight in her palm. It was

check up to his co

as tr

er voice barely a w

ion crossed his face.

his rules, still stung. The smile vanished fr

his voice sharp. "You do not touch me. Not

walked toward the living room, leaving her standing al