low

eavy oak door at the end of a quiet hall. The chaos of the party f

rn brass ring, pushing it open and steppi

ld books, and the faint, lin

obe, a desk, two armchairs. Everything was dark wood and lea

doorframe, arms crossed over his chest.

r a moment on the ridiculous white d

ht over tomorrow," he said

were strangers bound by a contract, wi

nd then he was gone, the heavy

nal straw. My strength gave out, and I sl

ust walked into a new cage, this one gilded

ress's hidden pocket and dia

ng. "Harlow! Oh my god, are yo

. The silence on the other e

y breathed. "You... you

me. "It sounds insane,

ic with excitement. "Harlow, it's

le damn army! Prez is the underground king of Arizona!

ere a balm to m

s to call you 'mom' or whatever. It's better t

power to make Colby's life a living hell

ind began to settle. She was right.

He's famously ruthless. And those rumors about his..

I confessed. "I used the rumor

ay. You've made your move. Now

bring my essentials in the morning and to start

stood and surveyed

ubhouse's back lot, a sea of chrome and steel-doze

enging, but full

ion, and stepped into the shower. The scalding water fe

the bathroom, wrapped

arge black t-shirt and a fresh tow

t. It smelled of him

ulating man had shown a sliver of consideration. And tha