nto the muscle again, grounding herself. The sting was a confirmat

g Fifth Avenue. The iconic storefronts of Tiffany and Bergdorf's b

e to legally dissolve the engagement, and most importantly, time to protect her company, Innovatech, from Blaine's clutches. In her past li

olding in her head, that she didn't see the light change. She stepped

nd that ripped throu

h shock, as the grille of a mass

ed against t

respond. The impact wasn't a violent crash, but a solid, heavy shove. The car's fender co

treet scraping her palms, the smell of hot rubber in the air

ach opened with a quiet,

an in a dark, perfectly tailored suit that probably cost more than her first car. He moved wi

Vande

cold, untouchable heir to the Vanderbilt fortune. His face, all sharp angl

shed to her side first. "Miss? Are you alright? We need

hospital. A legitimate medical reason for her disorientation.

nock. It hit her with a h

play this

at her not with concern, but with a cold, analytical ass

just another grifter looking for a payday?" he as

al victim would be hurt, offended. A calculating

ne ones this time, born from the shock and the lingering terror of the morning. She l

mered, pressing a hand to

he yellow cabs, as if she'd never seen them before. She was channeling ev

those grey eyes. He was re-evaluating. The woman crumpled on the paveme

istant, his tone clipped. "Take her to Mount S

heavily on the assistant. As she was guided toward the open door of the Maybach, she made a calculate

ssibly fine. He sti

call the police. I don't want any trouble. I just...

ldn't reach her. This car, this cold and intimidating

plate was custom. This man was not just rich; he was powerfu

and encasing her in a cocoon of soft leather and silence. She sank into the seat, the sme

ds of a complete stranger. A dangerous one. But Blaine was

ying her breathing. In her mind, she was already running through

seat beside her. The space, which had felt enormous, sud

a bottle o

ommanded more

e took a small sip, the water a balm to her dry throat. As s

tated. It wasn't a question. "

ght of her brother, Liam, of her parents. A genuin

ar she could muster into her exp

n't k

, custom-made Hermès Kelly bag. She must have dropped it when

re. My phone is in it." She looked at him, her eyes wide and pleading. "May I...

-