s she reported to the head nurse, Ms. Reynolds, her face

from the Kensington family to her retirement fund was contingent on her efficiency, on Seraph

d, their expressions impassive. "Come with me. Mrs. Kensington

iberate, a clear threat. She didn't move from her spot by

mask of condescending sympathy, her eyes betraying her impatience. "Mrs

a asked, her voice dangerously calm, cutting

. "That's enough," she snapped, her authority reassert

rd, their large frames

lazed, a cold fire burning in their depths. "Touch me," she said, her voice low, venomous, and utterly devoid of fear, "and I will person

k, fragile woman they expected was gone. In h

cut through the standoff fro

resence radiating power and control. The nurses and orderlies visi

to his head, a familiar, arrogant curve to his lips. He

voice soft but laced with steel, a warning bene

g. He thought a gentle word, a dismissive tone, would bring her to heel, make her fall back into her role. He r

ac

stunned silence of the r

t the entire force of her body, fueled by a decade of repres

ngry red finger marks began to bloom on his pale face. His eyes widened, a muscle ticking f

frozen, unable to comprehend

sfying ache, but her gaze was unw

clear and cutting, each word a deliber

ning into his. "Whether Lila Vance l

"And from this moment on, I will not

. "Have you lost your mind?" he snarled,

u, however, might want to consult your lawyer. Aiding and abetting unlawful confinement and a

the pliable wife he thought he owned. This wasn't his Seraphina. The soft, easily molded