slowly crossed his long legs, resting his ankle on his

and began to recite the script C

ve at a Wall Street investment bank. He used the right

t. She kept waiting for him to slip up, to mention a mu

or. He played the part of the succes

He couldn't find a single hole in th

ger toward the staircase. "Arlington. My study.

ed to her feet. "Dad, no! Arlington has

ne's hand. "It's perfectly fine, darling," he said, offeri

eared around the corner. A second later, the heavy o

er thumbnail. Her stomach twisted into painful knots. She pictured her father figur

own onto the sofa, her eyes sparkling with exci

gallery story, adding nauseating details about love at first si

he atmosphere was

t buy the mid-level banker crap," Arthur growled. "You walk

ent. He decided to give the old man a tin

unds," Arlington said smoothly, dropping the h

. He made one call. He spoke for thirty seconds to

the phone

just reviewed Arthur's business files, found a critical legal loophole in the IRS's claims, and guaranteed that the massive tax audit threa

hook as he hande

pping to a deadly serious register. "I will use every resource

shing power. And it worked. Arthu

er nail down to the quick. Thirty

opened. Heavy footstep

up, bracing hers

slung heavily around Arlington's shoulders. Arthur was throwing

. "This is my boy!" Arthur boo

absolute shock. The strict, overprotective patriar

nd her waist, pulling her tight against his side. He looke

he cellar! Get the good champagne! We are c

ed and ran tow

d tilted on its axis. She felt

ring her voice to a furious whisper. "W

head. His lips brushed

gton whispered coldly, "the