e in all but face-boarded

ully stocked bar. She stared out the window at

with Drake. Both of them crammed into econo

as bitter o

ut through her thoughts. H

shed his. She shook her head

ment. His gaze analytical. As if reassessing the value of an asset

island. A private paradise that hou

dy hands-Dr. Evans-was waitin

The photograph of Eve Contreras.

to the photo," he commande

an artist appraising a perfect, uncut diamond. "Mr. Noble," h

her owner and her creator. She felt a strange detachment. As if

the pre-operative room, Ashto

late to chan

d Chloe's defiance in her eyes. "If I

g in the air. A

idn't answer. But his silence was an

up at the blindingly bright surgical lights

. But a beginning.

, the last image that flashed through h

for

issolved in

waited in a private lounge. Worked on a lapto

finally went out, Dr. Evans emerged. His fa

reported. "After the recovery period, y

ter, the

ly unwrapped the last of the bandages fro

shuddering breath

autiful. High cheekbones. Sharp jawline. Eyes that seeme

reras. Yet something different in the eyes. A haunt

touch the smooth, unfamiliar skin of he

aive, trusting girl who loved too easi

ened. Ashto

ed mask slipped. Revealing a flash of complex emotion. Astonishment. A flicker of what looke