he two men, her bare feet

r skin, making her feel e

me. Right now. I'll get you somewhere safe

stupid, Ava. He doesn't want you. He wants

tone. "I love you. I've always loved you. Remember our plans

, remembering the heat of his kiss moments ago

"Not the heiress. Not the trophy. The woman fighting to bre

looking into the evidence right now. Com

firm has been trying to take over our compa

The pull toward Steve felt dangerous and

Both of you,

ing at the tension. "Miss Frazer nee

s expression. "Of course, nurse

hing her cheek with th

to take a break. Just a few weeks in a quiet place. I'l

ed a facility. She needs the truth." H

kin made you feel something real

ad traced her lip, the way her body had responded. "Miche

"After everything we've been through? You real

looked beautiful and deserved to

tage from the gala shows you handing her tha

ze for a sp

iced. "

ed quickly, squ

is good at that. Baby, please. Your mother woul

k. "My mother died scared. She warned me about people gettin

"Let me show you the real files. Not the ones they

n't protect you anymore. The board will freeze your accounts. Y

weight of their words. Steve's nearness made her skin ting

, "I need to

can arrange that.

g a huge mistake, Ava. After I've g

ied. I stood by you when the press called you fragile. Don't throw

chest t

uneral, his soft promises in the dark. Yet Steve'

g away," she said quietly

ck lightly, the contact se

ow you what real power feels lik

. "She's mine, Reynold

stepped toward Steve. "Tak

and grabbed her arm.

ontrolled force. "Touch her again and we'll h

r, bodies tense. Ava stood betw

room with him, we're finished. Everything

intense. "Your choice, Ava. Stay in the

e dangerous promise in his touch. Then she looked at micheal,

rse had left and walked t

ng back when he shows his true colors. And when that happen

on her waist as they moved down the dimly lit hospital corrido