ou could hear the ice clinking in the glass

tum suddenly found the floor very interesting, her earlier

r. He turned his piercing blue eyes to Curtis, who was

e single word a command that br

oom, his face a careful mask of neutrality, though Diana could see t

id, his voice low but carrying in th

ntrolled the Alston empire. Curtis couldn't refuse. Not her

," Curtis said, his ton

He reached out and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her upright. But his finge

re on her tender abdomen, but she

ismissal. "Good. Take her t

a velvet settee near the edge of the dance floor and practically shoved her do

ke a devoted husband tending to his ail

ke smile plastered on his lips for the benefit of

red. "Running to my grandfather. Playing the vi

They were still shaking. "I didn't... I did

one around you, Diana. But you forget who holds the leash. You

ce between them on the small sofa. He crossed his leg

ople who approached them, acting as if she didn't exist. The pain in her belly was a constant, throbbing ache, and the diamond neck

ts began to leave. Curtis stood up i

eaving,"

ition was up, sealing them in the dark, leather-scented cabin. The driver, Hoga

ngers drumming an angry rhythm on his thigh. The silence was so

uilding, Curtis was out the door before the engine died. He strod

penthouse. The moment they stepped

e impact knocked the air from her lungs, and a sharp spike of pain radiated

arled, his face inches from hers, his breath hot and smelling

asped, trying to push him away. But her

" He pressed his body against hers, pinning her to the

s of pain and frustration spilling over. "I just

can't stand that she's everything you're not. She's talented, she'

ng her face up to his. His eyes were dark, burning with a mi

what you are to m

rn away, his mouth

th scraping against hers, bruising her mouth. He forced her lips apart, taking

he just followed, his grip on her chin tightening until she felt like her jaw would crac

cramps in her belly and the shattered remains of her heart. She went limp, her han

h the back of his hand. He stared down at her

ore. She collapsed onto the hardwood floor, he

. There was no regret in his eyes.

partner. You are not my equal. You are a piece of decoration I bought to

shoe caught the hem of her dress. He walke

tonight," he threw over his shoulde