sharp gravel bit into her bare heels, scraping off

blade. She wrapped her arms tightly around he

e trees in the distance. Her st

ying for a signal to call a cab. The top

to pull her under, two blinding beams of

s right next to her. The tires shrieked ag

ce on his guards the second they let up," he panted, his chest heaving. "I tracked your phone's l

panic and fury. He grabbed her a

y hit his warm chest. For a se

-still warm from his body heat-and wrapped

ger seat and immediately blas

ed the steering wheel so hard his knuckles p

st. She watched the dark trees blur past the window

" she whispered. "It

no tears in her eyes. There was

ed the back of her cold hand. "

away, avoiding his intense gaze.

hour later, they pulled up to the glowing entr

the Presidentia

but firmly refused his offer to stay with he

setting and stood under the scalding water, scrubbing her skin until it was red,

k white bathrobe and sat at the des

work. She stared at the disastrous financial re

led Anne. It was 3:00 AM, but A

a commanded, her voice hard as iron. "E

t a loud squeal of excitement. "Are y

eflection in the dark wi

rey clouds. Herminia stepped out of the hotel w

ce, blood-red. She stepped i

n front of her. Anne opened the back door. Tog