for the night, Julian grabbed Chloe's arm. He pulled her up the grand stairca

e loud click of the bolt sliding into place

nd tossing it onto an armchair. He walk

he red marks on her wrist. She wat

disdain. He pointed a finger at a small, velvet c

t and narrow for anyone to sleep on comfortably. "Julian, I just got o

intention of sharing a bed with a woman who

him see the fresh wave of pain that washed over her. Without another word, she took a

chilling her to the bone. She curled into a tight ball, the th

s of her shivering, the quiet catch in her breath. An unfamiliar and deeply irritating feeling-someth

harp knock on the doo

ngton? It's Lucy, w

, grabbed Chloe from the chaise, and pulled her into the bed with him

in bed and a knowing smile touched her lips. "My apologies for disturbing you," she said, her voic

got out of bed and went into the bathroom without a word. Chloe lay there, staring at th

ed them to the library. The mood was no long

e matter of the family trust," she said, her voice sharp. "The board is becoming restless, Julian.

oe stared down at her hands, twisting the

pitying look in his eyes. He reached across the desk and took

g." He paused, then looked at Chloe with an expression of infinite patience and understanding. "But the doctors have advised that Chloe needs a period of profound rest. Her health is fragile, an

defective possession, stole the air from Chloe's lungs. She looked at him

she asked, her voice ti

ne to her. But under the desk, Julian's hard-soled shoe came down on her fo

a clear warning: Remember my threat. Say one

had left, she was forced to surrender. The fight drained out o

word tasting like ash in m

and sternness. "You must be strong, Chloe. Th

. Chloe could only nod, a

allway, Chloe finally broke. She ripped her hand fro

exes impossibly fast. He twisted her arm behind her b

our performance in there," he whispered, hi

and walked away down the hall, leaving her to slide dow