personally selected her attire: a conservative, cream-colored Chan

g the frantic beat of her heart against her ribs. She reh

even o'clock,

orce, sucking the air from the room. He wore a bespoke black suit, but the top butto

e simply watched her, his dark eyes assessing her with an unnerving in

This was her interview. The results w

of them without consulting her, selecting

d he know her dietary restricti

urprise in her eyes but

and heavy. It was a weapon, a

had to be the

t but clear. "Mr. Blake. Are you s

the pretense from their meeting and layi

face. He leaned forward slightly, and the space betwee

gravelly sound that vibrated in the air. "On

own the column of her throat, to her hands rest

. She felt like prey, pinne

ability as a wife." She delivered the line like she was reading a product spe

rst time, a smile touched his

d. "More interesting th

t a compliment, or a warning? A sign that he

se, the clink of silverware a welcome in

To her horror, she saw t

ity she wouldn't be able to taste any of it. To her, it was just tex

man was a thousand times more dan

othing, simply began to eat hi

her composure. This fragile little bird had sharper claw

to calm the fire in her nerves. She had to know. She ha