low

lute. It was heavier than the music, louder than

the ex

g curses, wild whoops, and the sharp, piercing whi

ith shock, but the shock was quickly replaced by

r faces. The amusement they'd felt at my expense had curdled into disbelief and a flicker of dis

ld had narrow

k 'Prez'

, deliberately,

y, lawless hall fell silent at a single gestur

cking the light. The pressure of his presence wa

as a frantic drum against my ribs. This wa

were like a hawk's, sharp and piercing, as if he could see rig

oice was a low rumble, like gravel scraping o

gaze. "Colby's betrayal left the Serpents' honor in the mud wi

ched. He was surpri

up, his voice booming. "This is against the

answer for his fool of

s voice cut through the tension. It w

ure regal. "Harlow is right. This is a disg

s time someone cleaned up this mess. Besides,

rectly. More than anyone, this mother wanted he

rom his mother back to me,

had to give him a rea

e over the hum of the speakers. "The whispers say the Presi

htening in his jaw. The pr

. I don't need a husband. I need a title. A sanctuary. A positio

sident. An Old Lady who asks for n

mble on his character, betting he would value m

ng, silent moment. So lo

o shatter, the corner of his mou

he silent, waiting crowd. His voice, when it ca

e said.

e air, then repeated them,

r is my woman. The Old Lad