ten full seconds before curdling

d, a smirk twisting his lips. "A

saying. It means I will n

illing the room. His eyes landed on her writing desk, on the neat stacks of papers she

unt your pennies, then threaten to leave. This is

g him. Her silence infuriate

marriage!" He jabbed a finger at her, voice dripping with contempt. "You think I don't know? Your father, begging

alms. It was the truth, a gild

e prestige of being future Duchess of Blackwood. And now you want to back out?" He leaned in, his voice dropping to a

ou should look at yourself for the reason. You're like a col

blow. A cold numbness

re you? Nothing. The disgraced daughter of a m

rained away, and beneath it waited a rage so clean and steady it felt almost sane.

Kian. "Are you fini

m flinch as if she'd slapped him. She addres

refore, I am begging you, Your Grace, to have mercy. Release this 'worthless' woman

He lunged, hauling her to her feet by her upper arms. "You wish!" His face con

ways out, Adeline. In a coffin, or with my expl

hitting the sharp corner of the vanity. A

on his heel, strode out, and slammed

owly pushed herself upright, hand pressed against her aching hip. No tears. Onl