tightened, a muscle flexing in his cheek. He looked at Sloane, his eyes full of a protective f

," he said, his v

ut discharge protocols and home care. They automatically deferred to Li

s in her throat. She was grateful for her family's unconditional love, a warm blanket against the cold reality of her

eaving Sloane alone with her brother. He pulled a chair clo

e said softly. "I won't

hen the door was shoved open with such

He looked wild, his usual polished charm stripped away to reveal the des

right to be here!" he snar

ontorting into a mask of anguish tha

d. I've been looking for you ever

eacted i

a blood-curd

e of the bed. She grabbed the nearest object-a firm, decora

a red mark blooming on his cheek where the corner had hit him. The woman who had once catered to his ev

ane and Blaine. He was taller than Blaine, broader in the

said, his voice dangerously q

ing behind his back and clutching the fabric of his jacket. From this safe vantage point, she could unleash the torre

d up his hands in a gesture of peace, his voice dropping to a soo

morning. It was my fault. I pushed you too har

a tantrum. The arrog

into granite. He had never liked Blaine, had always found him shallow and opportu

k, her voice muffled by his suit. "I would never marry a ma

face a thundercloud. "What is going on in here? This is a hospit

he familiar scent of his cologne was a comfort, a stark contrast to the memory of Blaine's cloying, e

estment was contingent on this marriage. He gritted his teeth, the sound audi

ying to appeal to the nurse. "She'

d, his voice like ice. He gently patted Sloane's back, a gesture o

ontrol. His gaze landed on a briefcase on the visitor's chair, containing some of Slo

d to get he

ice was sharp, cutting through her feigned hy

-talkie on her belt. "Security to the Vanderbilt Pav

nstantly, their broad shoulders filling the frame. They lo

of pure venom at Sloane, a look that promised retribution. She met his gaze

a what was co

-