heavy mahogany door clicked shut, cutting off the stares from the

of forms. She looked up, saw Houston standing by the poli

a look at her that was so devoid of

udly against her chest. She dropped her eyes to the floor instantly, h

he pen. She filled out her personal details

She turned her body toward Houston. A small, teasing smile p

not in his chest pulled harder. He reached out and took

e heavy, aggressive, cutting into the paper like a brand. Diana watched t

them with the official seal, his hands trembling slightly

said, his voice hushed.

lettering. The heavy weight of the paper in her hand felt l

her eyes. She held the red booklet up t

rable fortress he had built around his mind f

id. His voice was

practically dragged her out of the roo

mile faded, replaced by a quiet intensity. "Do yo

perfectly st

the mountains just to use me. Cornie would break things and cry, and Brenda would lock

rnails into her palms, fighting the burning s

muscles in his arms bunched under his suit jacket. His knuc

ispered, her throat tight. "And they

nt darkness explode

His hand clamped onto her waist, and he yanked her

ng her against him like a steel vi

low voice. "You are a Vanderbilt. T

ed the breath out of her. She could feel his heart hammering against her

is eyes were completely black with rage and an

g, Diana pushed

s jaw. Her mouth was soft and w

ent had been shot directly into his spine. The rage in his eyes sh

at his tie, her cheeks burning hot. "That

he lifted his hand. His long fingers brushed against his

her. The corner of

the gift

led her back against his chest. This time, the embrace wasn't violent. It was de