of a dozen pairs of curious, judgmental eyes. She forced her spine to straighten,

"Well, Mrs. Lawson," she purred, a victorious smile playing on her lip

w a few stifled snicke

uss heirs," she said, her voice dangerously soft. "Unlike som

rom Aida's face. Izo

sed. "That won't last

't he married you? Oh, that's right. Your background probably i

torted with rage, and she ra

lf, her body tensi

arge, powerful hand shot out a

. He flung Aida's hand away with a flick of his wrist, not even bo

her flesh like talons. "Come with me," he bit

ewed whispers. Izora stumbled to keep up, his grip bruising, his pace relentless. He le

Izora lost her balance and slammed back against the cold s

you?" she gasped, ru

enveloping her in his shadow. "What's wrong with me?" he snarled, his

gaze. "On one hand, you're trying to trap me with a bastard child. On the other, you'

wisted, so far from the truth, it stole her breath.

ration he himself had created. But the words wouldn't come. What was the point? He had alr

, to him, an ad

le too close to home? Tell me, Izora," he leaned in close

ht of the night-the threats, the humiliation, the utter loneliness-came crashing down o