econds, searching her face for a flicker of fear, a hint of deception. He saw the frantic pulse beat

zingly, his g

, gasping for air. The raw, burning need for oxyge

elbow, his voice a harsh, r

soothing the fire in her throat. She gave him a humorless smile. "I'm Chloe Foster. T

nd medical vials on the floor. "That was no a

the story she'd perfected long ago. "You watch the nurses enough,

ched his lips. It didn't reach his

son dart frogs of South America. It's colorless, odorless, and has to be ingested no more than ten minutes before onset." She took a step closer to the bed where they

a flicker of something u

she stated, the words hanging i

devoid of any humor. "Of course it was," he said, his voice regaining

for the first time. "You're insan

his eyes locking onto hers. "Your... intervention... was an une

itting position. "I'll mak

liste

return, I will offer you the full protection of the Carlisle name. Your family will never tou

offering her a shield. "I have conditions," she said. "Our marriage is a business arrangement. We maintain separate lives,

He extended his right hand-the same one that ha

intense face. She took a deep breath and placed her h

"Alistair? Nephew? Are you alright? What

his eyes closing, his breathing becoming shallow and ragged. The po

quickly mussing her own hair and rubbing her eyes until they were red. She for

ed open

e relatives stood outside,

ing convincingly. "The doctor stabilized him, but he

isappointment, so quick it was almost invisible, crossed his face before be

refully transferred the "unconscious" Alistair, Chloe walked alon

eeve, his fingers gave hers a fai

The game