loor-to-ceiling windows of her new Park Avenue penthouse. Her per

eup that was bold and powerful, a stark contrast to th

ters to attend an executive meeting with Culver. It woul

olls-Royce was waiting. But standing

rumpled, and his eyes were wild. He saw Denice, and his eyes lit up, onl

trying to grab her arm, but

wer my texts?" he demanded, his voice thick wi

s if she were looking at a stranger. "Mr. Slat

stepped out. Dressed in a severe black suit, his mere presenc

and slid an arm around her wais

low, gentle voice. "Are you ready? The meeting is about to start."

, furious red. "Let go of her

missive and icy. "Us?" he repeated. "You will soon

She suddenly turned to Jairo and smiled. It was a smile he had n

t's my birthday tomor

Denice had always quietly arranged her own birthdays.

face, Denice's smile deepened

ve you anything!" Jairo said desperately,

g Island," Denice said, he

oze. "What... what did you say? T

ou just say you'd give me anything I want? Or are

s face shifting from pal

ion, a thrill of pure satis

becoming soft and dependent. "Da

roking her hair, his eyes full of ad

bit out the words through clenched teeth. "

ally touched Denice'

mply turned to Culver and said, "L

the top of her head with his hand as she got

ro standing alone on the sidewalk like

faded. She stared out the windo

ice flat, "I told you I would get you what you