bloody slash. When Hope stepped out of the car at the entrance to the Simmons e

with a neckline that plunged daringly low. It wasn't the dress of a demure,

g, saw her. His eyes widened with a flicker of raw appreciation,

ou wearing?" he hiss

him, her eyes fixed on his father, Sterling Simmons Sr., t

, graceful curtsy. "Good evening,

e, nodded his approval of her manners, though his ey

marble statue. "Hope, don't play games," he warned,

lips leaving a faint stain on the crystal. "Of course I did. That's why I'm here. To pla

. He kept a proprietary hand on the small of her back, a performa

h an equally sharp mind, smiled across the table. "A

chest. "We're set for a preliminary meetin

t nothing. It was just another faceles

You're looking well. It seems you've been kee

t. All eyes turned to her. Arley's face darkene

st. She gave Porti

your partner is away that you have t

t was as if she'd dropped a grenade in the center of the floral

k to address her filet mignon. She cut a small, precise p

in the silent dining room. "It's been so long, I'v

word "habi

t phone calls... late at night. Don't tell

ed white where he gripped his silverware.

s throat, a loud, commanding so

Arley, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. "Wha

as angelic. Her

g sharply with her shin. A jolt of pain shot up her leg, b