mp and smelled of exhaust. Claire stood in the shadows behind a

ut, wearing a sharp navy suit, his eyes sc

looked at Claire with a complicated

said formally. "W

o box. "I need you to take thi

lutely not. With all due respect, ma'am, if I bring him food fro

. The sharp sting of pain grounded her. She tasted blood

ned, confuse

forced the words out past the agonizing lum

actually dropped. He stared at her

h said slowly, "and give his mistress t

es

ked, genuine shock bleeding th

his grandfather is watching his health. If he doesn't eat p

ng seconds. Finally, Joshuah let out a h

later, on th

ng the center of his chest with two fingers. A

entered, placing the sle

at it. "What th

nch, sir. Miss Kendall Hess

ished instantly. The tight lines around hi

He popped the lid. The steam rose, carrying th

chopsticks and

hallway, Claire peered through the s

th unshed tears, but a massive weight lifted off her shoulders. The heart

d. He immediately picked up his

ropping an octave, rich with affection

uxury nail salon, Kendall froze. She stared at he

tincts were elite. S

with honey. "I'm so glad you like it. I just want to make sur

reflection in the salon mirror. A slow, greedy, a

at the half-empty box, feeling l