wood shelves of military histories and law books. The air was cold,

into a crystal glass, and didn't offer her one. Leaning against the ma

sfied now?" S

blankly. "I don't

sister to force my hand in public. A clever move, I'll g

ating scene. The idea was so ludicrous she didn't

castic. He pushed off the desk and walked toward her, clos

." He paused, eyes narrowing to black slits. "However, Adeline, one

s orders-the one said to "fortify her constitution," which she'd drunk obediently in her past lif

kin, forcing her to look at him. His face was inches from hers, eyes devoid of warmth. "I do not care

ssure i

spike of ice, "if you somehow become p

eyes. The last flicker of hope that this life could be different, that he

reflection of the cold dead emptiness inside. Her lack of react

r. Kian's head snapped toward it

age from Miss Vance's maid. Miss Vance was frightened by the earl

le. Of

uine tender concern. The cruel line of his mouth softened. He released Adeline's chin as if he'd

there," he sa

d past Adeline without another word, without a glance, and opened the door. From thre

here his fingers had bruised her was distant. The pain in her heart had numbed into liberating

King. She would use her own methods, her own kno