sharp scent that cut through the foul odor of the room. He shrugged it off and wrapped it aro

is long strides sure and steady, his

living room. The gesture was so tender it stood in sta

athroom. They reappeared a moment later, dragging a whimpering Zane between them

the gash on his forehead drip

his pocket and pulled out a dark silk handkerchief, meticulo

abbled, his eyes wide with terror as he loo

t tighter around herself. She made a small, w

, unreadable pools, and for a terrifying second

nshed tears. "He's lying," she said, her voice firm despite its tremor. "He mu

arm. The muscle beneath his sleeve was tense as stone. "Check th

ed. The flicker of doubt was incinerated, replaced by a raging inferno. He l

sistant, Evan Hayes, who stood silently by the door. Ja

s all i

ne's chest, pinning him to the floor. "Who else was involved?" Evan'

this to me! My family... we have inf

?" he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "I could buy and sell you

red this side of him. Now, a strange sense of security washed over her. She

A dark flicker of something akin to pleasure crossed his features.

ke you to the parking garage. He's going to break both of your legs. Then, your car is going to be invo

beg, snot and tears mixing with the blood on

, silencing him. They hauled him to his feet and d

te fell

t the two

ge hands coming up to cup her face. The calluses on his thumbs were rough

sessive fire that was both

oice a low growl. "No one touches you. No

have recoiled. She would h

she saw

essing against his palm. She looked dir

spered. "I'm Mrs. Irwin

uarded shock on his face told her everything. He had

ishing, desperate claiming it might have been in another life. It was hesitant-a question as m

s neck, and kissed him back with all the convicti

s breathing ragged. "I don't understand what's changed,"

he whispered