words had steel underneath. "Cole, you l

p. "Go wait outside," he said, his voice hard.

rse. I'll be right out here." She turned to Chloe, her manner shifting into that of a gracious hostess. "But bef

, marking her territory. She was the

bject, then closed it. A part of him-the cruel, angry part-wanted to see Chloe kno

last ember of warmth she might have he

he nodded once and walked toward the small kitchene

oor behind them. The smile was gone

titute should know her place." She leaned against the counter. "Did you k

ss of the steam, the gurgle of the water. Her calm was a wall Carrol

m her designer handbag. She scribbled a figure, tore o

nd disappear from Cole's life for good. It's what girls like you want, isn't it? The

e porcelain cup. She picked it up, her hand steady, and set it on the count

er tone as neutral and professional a

ave been. In Carroll's world, everything and everyone had a price. Chloe's ref