dow. For a moment she was disoriented, her cheek pressed against the rough fiber

and alert. No grogginess, no sign of sleep. It was

thout resistance. He got up, his movements fluid and silent, and folded the bla

the debit card across th

ne leaving no room for argument.

small nod-a silent acceptance of this new

surprising herself with the request,

lingering for a moment, a

the ears, and the air tasted of dirt and diesel. Julian put on a hard hat, and he instantly blended in, yet

pproached. "Hey, Montgomery! This the new bride we'v

cheers followed. Julian ignored them c

ice easily cutting through t

s finger tracing lines with authority. He wasn't just a laborer; he was in char

of all his watching, grinning coworkers, he leaned

o public, so possessive. The men hooted louder, and Carley felt her face burn-but

d fingers lacing through hers,

g transition from the gritty worksite. He remained s

and features. She picked out the latest, most expensive smartphone. Julian stood by, uninterested in the

men's department of a large store, d

ashmere sweaters when a sharp, f

wan? I don't

om design school-stood there. Jordin's eyes did a slow, critical sweep of Carley's si

orsey said with a fake

her arm through Julian's, her touch possessi

nd? Oh. Is he... working on that new high-rise project nearby?" Her ga

ained utterly blank. He looked at the two women

went cold. The first real test of their ne