his study to handle political affairs, le

to sneak back to her room and grab t

r the tea," E

tion. She stood with her back to them, her hands sh

ok with gold-leaf edges. It was the socialite roster

"It is time to finalize your marriage arrangem

gs. He pulled a solid gold lighter from his pocket and began flippin

. She talked about the daughter of an energy

untouchable families. Her hand jerked. Boiling hot water splashed o

o keep from crying out. The physical pain was nothing compared to t

s dark eyes bypassed Eleanor entirely and

ned, her patience wearing thin. She pushed the

leaned forward. His long fingers lazily

Her," he said, his voice dripping with

om the Sterling family. She was widely known as t

llent taste. I will have Maria arrange

a tray. She heard the words, and her hear

le. "I feel a little dizzy," she whispered, stari

of a mood to argue. She

legs felt like they were made of cotton. The wa

ng back the tears that threatened to spill over. She jus

r and turned into the blind

ut from the shadows. A hand grabbed her

. She opened her mouth to scream, but a large ha

nces, she saw the dark, furious eye

eel the heat radiating off his body, mingling with the crisp scent

art, pinning her completely against t

low growl. "Why are you running? Did

rolled down her cheek. "I wish you and Miss Sterling a

He grabbed her chin, his fingers digging

t was a punishment. He bit her lower lip so hard she tast

sts, but her blows did nothing. He only deepened the

e rested his forehead against

rough and ragged. "That marriage is just bu

is sweater, leaving not a single wrinkle. He turned and wal

sliding down until she hit the flo