as absolute. Cassie could hear t

ning white. She braced herself for Dane to yell, to order

the leather seat. His dark eyes remained locked o

oice was flat, carrying

e single word completely sh

I am a stranger with a ruined face. They tricked you." She pointed agg

hed. He suddenly

n a second. The physical pressure of his body forced

mped firmly around her jaw. He tilted her head

rt. She could feel the heat

edge of her fake scar. The friction sent a sharp, terrifying thrill strai

w, dangerous whisper that vibrated in her chest. His eyes bored i

confusion. She frantically searched her memory, trying

mind was comp

ie whispered, her voi

pure, unfiltered co

ver his features. The intense fire in his eyes d

nd retreated to his side of the car. He turned his head, staring out

here his fingers had pr

divorce papers today," Cassie said, testing the wat

d snapped

ressed violence in his postur

narled. The sheer aggression in his voice

r neck, you are my wife," he declared, his

tions, but the heavy, suffocating aura radiati

n. The neon lights from the storefronts reflected off the tinted windows, casti

iron gates of the Frederick Manor and gli

opened Da

idn't look back. He shoved his hands into his pockets and

ening wind whipped her torn dress around her legs. She w

Bradshaw immediately stepped forward t

ay. The heavy mahogany door to

h heels clicked sharply against the hardwood floor a

the heavy

ve tobacco filled her lungs. Dane was standing

is right hand. He took a slow sip, not

ing through the quiet room. "Why ar

y lowered

esk lamp cast deep shadows across his face

laced both hands flat on the polished wood a

" Dane said, his voice smooth and laced with

The offer was massive.

s narrowing, "you have to reme

A sharp ache throbbed behind her te

h to argue, a violent buzzing

attered the heavy t

one out. The screen

y" flashed acr

ie. Her grip on the phone tightened until her k