pricked at the corners of Hope's eyes, a purely physical reaction, but she bit down hard

r of irritation tightened his chest. For the briefest moment, something flickere

the opening

motion, she scrambled back on the massive bed, pulling the silk duvet with he

ogether as if trying to wipe off a contaminant. He reversed

et his eyes travel down the length of her body, now hidden beneath the silk. "A bit scrawnier t

liation down. Panic was a luxury she couldn't afford. Her mind, finally cl

d, his tone mocking. "Tell me, what was your price? Ho

her own eyes cold and sharp. "If you're as powerful as everyone says, Mr. Bennett, ho

authority, his control. A dark flush crept up his neck. His hands tightened on t

. A social-climbing parasite from a family of has-beens. You couldn't even get into

ng-amusement, irony-passed through her eyes, so quick

calm. "You were deceived. I was drugged and delivered. Why are

roblem my lawyers will handle. In the meantime, you will stay out of my sight and keep your mouth shut. Do that, and you

ifting. "Tech billionaire's new bride vanishes on their ho

of wills waged across the opulent

n a tiny detail just below her collarbone. A s

e smell of wet asphalt. The coppery taste of blood in his mouth. A woman's hands, gentle but firm, pressing a makeshift

zying second, he tried to superimpose the face of the w

one who found him that night. Victoria Carlisle wa

. To cover his momentary lapse, his expres

," he co

ha

on the lower deck. Find one. I don't want yo

She needed to be alone. She n

urn around. My cloth

re an insult. He spun the wheelchair around with a sharp, an

the carpet. She dressed quickly, her movements efficient and sure. The fabric felt forei

lled it open. She didn't look back. Stepping out onto the soft w

idor, a single, burning promise formed in he