pire skyscraper, Adrian stood rigid

city streets were blurred by heavy sheets of rain. Yet, his eyes inst

s Isa

ed against the wind. Even from this height, he could

that the muscles in his face ac

his expensive coat over her shoulders and carry

office was broken. His phone buzzed

dow. He reached out blindly, swiping the s

d immediately. It was low, tense, and dripping wit

d, his voice sounding lik

ked out? Adrian, you pushed her too hard. She isn't like th

ne tightened to the breaking point. "She has no choice. I've backed her into a cor

are playing a dangerous game. If she ever finds out the real reason you targeted her-if she learns wha

hysical blow to Adrian's chest. The dar

e bloodline that had been ruined be

buried the files. I've bought the judges. I only need one year, Marcus. One year to protect her fro

dread. "What if she falls in love with you before the twelve month

reet. He looked over at the desk, where the pristi

ing emotion he wasn't prepared for. He quickly forced it down,

rkly into the receiver. "I am the villain in her story, Ma

could reply, A

k. The silence rushed back into

eaving. He watched as Isabella's figure finally dis

rcus. Worse, he wa

re to ease his guilt. He didn't

iance, her warmth, and the fiery spirit that

with a terrifying, pr

" he whispered into the empty room

Blackwood never lost a war. He would burn this entire city to ash and ruin any