pte

grip slackening just enough for Lauren t

"I said I'm married. If you aren't man

y's face. "Are you losing y

ty. "From now on, we move in different circle

gry laugh. "You're actually going to us

wanted a ring, but th

d up to the curb. The driver rolled do

at's

ression, Lauren climbed into

of memories, though she had spent the previous night ruthlessly declutte

ded not to renew it back when she thought she'd be moving i

Tray would be by to collect the rest of his things. She handed over his contact i

porters, but the security detail at the gate stepped forward im

is" sent a strange s

t. Thank you,"

f her boxes, and soon Aunt Maye a

ove these straight

her brow furrowed. "Um, Aunt Maye... did Das

Of course, Madam. Mr. Dashiel has made all

t all you need to make yourself

terrifying efficiency. She hesitated for a se

room? Madam, you'll be sharing t

..

aps a physical one, but ultimately a job. Moving in had been a shock;

real marriage at this point? she wondered. Do w

her. It felt like she'd had a one-night stand with her bo

ye offered to help her unpack, but Lauren politely declined

bably cost more than her car. An image of him lying there flashed th

d made a game of her heart. She was a free age

ed energy, she began t

closet and the bathroom had been perfectly prepared. There were empt

e is incredibl

l gap in the closet where a single, light gree

was a simple coat, faded from years of washing but met

lionaire keep so

saw the word "Angel" embroid

A firs

cold and uninterested in women, but after the night in t

That's why he wasn't interested in socialites. And she? She was just a conveni

. It was just a mutually beneficial trade. When the contra

for dinner, so she check

ng for a cocktail party," Ethan repli

hing. After a long pause, a

Lauren. I shouldn't have left without ma

world, it was every person for themse

sted for possession that night. He was loc

d? "I have no idea. I left

meone jumped him the moment he got out on bail yesterday.

tared at

incid

y had mysteriously vanished. She'd assumed it was Tray back

it be D

didn't even know who Eric

y had a thousand enemies. It was only a matte