When the driver asked for the destination, the words "Carl

ent with Penelope after a brief visit. Her purse and phone, however, were nowhere to be found,

ome, couldn't go anywhere, without them, and despe

and out like a thief, unseen. She paid the driver with the last of the cash i

old against the polished marble floors. Every footstep echoed in the caverno

the grand, sweeping staircase when voi

t you go so soon? S

e's voice, swe

d rushed from her head, leaving her dizzy. They were here

armor that stood sentinel in the hall, pressing herself into the col

shirt, open at the collar, a blatant display of their night together. The sight was a fresh stab to Faye's already wounde

frown on her face. She sniffed the air. "That's str

The shirt she was wearing, Julian's

aid, his voice impatient. "Come o

n to release the breath she was holding, a wave of relief washing over her. She was about to step

elope's voice was

ounding. The armor hid most of her, but her bare fee

oward the armor, a calm, low voice

's

ged into a simple grey t-shirt and dark sweatpants, and he held a mug of cof

laced by a brilliant smile. "Broth

second toward the suit of armor before settling on his stepsister. "You sh

ade Ryan's face flus

re leaving right now." She shot a quick, saccharine smile

did Faye dare to move, slumping against

he foot of the stairs, watching her with those dark, unre

less gesture of modesty. Biting her lip,

een them. He didn't say a word about what had jus

the glass. The contact was electric, and she

er. "Your keys and purse are on the coffee table in the living ro

d precision of a CEO handling a minor logistical issue. He was managing her, handling her, making he