uit jacket she had grabbed blindly from the floor in her frantic escape-the stranger's too-large jacket, still carrying the clean, masculine scent of his c

curb. The neat iron gate, the manicured lawn, the sterile facade of the ho

on a flash of crimson in the driveway. A red

he walked up the stone path, her steps unnatu

shed i

tangled with a pair of high heels. Lying in a heap by the stairs was a silk camis

living room, hearing them before she saw them-low, intimate laughter, the rustle of sheets. Her

tional sofa, a cashmere throw barely covering them. Kylan's bar

ng a finger down Jairo's chest. "Did little

hampagne and she was putty in my hands. I walked her right to th

a physical blow. The blood drained from

the shock. She stepped fully into the d

's door?" Her voice cut throug

und. Kylan shrieked, scr

inder. "Smile for the camera. The investors are going to love this one too."

d, lunging toward her

e to her chest. "Why?" she whispered, her voic

tment. "Don't act so innocent. You knew the co

lan added, her voice dripping with venom. "You

ort, humorless laugh. "A real woman? Is that what you call someone who spreads her legs for her best friend's fia

ndescending reason. "Just delete the video. I

slapped him. The sound was shockingly loud, a sharp crack that echoed through the silent house. Jairo's head snapp

nd shot out, grabbing a fistful of her hair. "You think you can lay a

am

blazing. Riley was right behind him, clutching her worn teddy bear. Mila brought up the rear, her uni

ma!" Zane shouted, his

the last dying ember of shame. Then Kylan let out a sharp, mocking laugh from t

from Jairo's grip and shoved him backward, putting herself between

hest heaving. "That's it.

o, pl

clothing on those brats, every toy in their room-I paid for it. This is m

aw tight. "Mama," he said, his voice stea

s four years old. He should not have to be this brave. "Go upstairs

isters back up the stairs

heard him! Get out!" Aliana shoved back, harder,

And this video is my insurance. If either of you ever com

purple with rage. "G

ure they were dressed properly-shoes on, jackets zipped. She knelt, pulling all three of them close. "We'r

ip trembled. "I

t. It's just u

id quietly. "I

it at Jairo. It struck him just below the eye, the small setting sharp

liana took a child's hand in each of hers and wa

ck!" Jairo shrieked. "Yo

r shut, cutting off

children-Zane, watchful and fierce; Riley, trembling but holding back

you sad?"

s and forced a smile. "No,

ack and three small, precious lives depending on her, Aliana Hunt realize