moth-eaten quilt around

he turned away, walked into the tiny kitchen, and dry-swall

on double shift. She changed into a cle

re made of lead. She clocked out, the mach

's massive, brightly lit VIP lo

untain. She was wearing a flawless C

bright, overly enthusiastic smile stretched across her

prisingly tight. "Essie, you look awful! I a

r. Watts, I can take the train-" she stammered,

Essie's shoulders and half-dragged, half-guided

d the concrete garage. Adelle pressed the button on

through the garage. A pitch-black Maybach slamme

out. He wore a dark grey trench coat, and

let go of Essie and threw herself i

k and venomous-shot right over Adel

r terror. Her back slammed hard

out a low groan, wrapping one arm tight

bbed his arms. "Kieran!

g incredibly strained and weak. "Go up to Dr. Evan

ith worry. She turned and sprinted toward the e

ed and slid shut. The g

in on his face vanished instantly, replace

sive strides. He grabbed the collar of Essie's t

crete pillar. The rough stone scrap

ieran snarled, his face inches fro

r cheeks. "My brother-he was in the ER-he w

outh against hers. He forced her jaw open, kissing her wi

d in until his lips brushed her ear. "If you ever ignor

olute horror. She nodded fr

e elevator descending ec

k, wrapped his arm around his stomach again, and lean