a whisper. "You don't understand. What I've lost isn't just a man. It's

curity? If Uncle Arthur hadn't been so biased, if he hadn't only ha

her voice sharp. "Don't

s the great Miss Hayes fallen so low she can't even bear

r eighteenth birthday party. I accidentally spilled a glass of champagne,

up, her voice taking on a tone of magnanimous pity. "But don't you worry. After Julian and I are married, I'll h

t basket Janet had brought. Her eyes landed on the small, silver letter opener nestled beside a pear. Her

said, her voice

the object in Chloe's hand. She stumbled

nt, the door to th

d, his eyes taking in the scene: Janet, cowering in fear

er savior. She threw herself against his chest, her body

expression. She slowly placed the letter opener back int

d at Chloe. His eyes were filled with a terrify

ay back down, pulled the covers u

nto his arms. He strode out of the room, his footst

t the door behind him with a soft click that sounded like a gunshot in the sil

and deliberate. His shadow fell over he