the Reeves Manor. The Gothic-style mansion loomed in the dark

t of the car. Her

he massive oak front doors. He bowed sli

sually tutored Aiden. Instead, Giles led her down a long corr

a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, the bow tie hanging loos

rway. "Where is Aiden? I

t into a fight at school today. He is grounded

rge of relief. "

rned a

voice cut through the

he side table and tossed it onto th

mate for the May

She opened it. Her eyes scanned the itemize

2,0

him, her eyes blazing. "This is extortion! It was a bumper!

casting a long shadow. "It is a custom-built, ballistic-grad

of her. The smell of whisk

ng down at her, "I am willing t

lder to her chest, her

ct as my date. You will smile, you will hold my arm, and you

tight knots. She knew the upper-class world.

lied, her voice trembling.

ersity lecturer's salary? It would take you a h

argue, Bryon sn

ressed in chic black outfits walked in, pushing a

able," Bryon orde

ubbed, and painted. She fought every step o

nging back that left her spine completely exposed. The doctor had administered a localized painkiller inject

-the bruises from Bryon's mouth-she didn't say a word. She simply to

ped out of the dressing

f her dark hair down to the elegant, silver flat shoes on her feet. A dark,

vet box. Inside rested a diamond necklac

inst the sensitive skin of her nape, sending a violent shiver down her spine. His gaze flicked down to he

role tonight," he whispered, his voice a dark threat. "If

tasting her own lipstick.

ut to a waiti

te club in Manhattan. The moment the door opened,

er eyes shut, bli

ssive, almost painful. He pulled her flush against his side, shieldin

air was thick with the smell of

hispers broke out instantly. Bryon Reev

ng from the effort. Her knee throbbed despi

im. Instead of taking a glass of alcohol, Bryon picked up a

him, startled by the

rocess it, the crowd n

e haute couture gown. Her hair was styled in soft wav

r waist turn to solid iron. B

His jaw was clenched so tight a muscle ticked in hi