that felt like they were collapsing. A bitter taste rose in her throat. The shaking started in her

he corridor broke the silence

ng security guards. They moved with a nervous energy, flanking the elevator entrance as if

predatory grace that commanded the space around him. He was all sh

the wall, trying to become invisible. Her luck had

dim light and made her feel even more exposed. A low voice,

st enjoying the fine art

They were filled with a sharp intelligence and a blatant, assessing curiosity. She knew that face. Everyone in Ne

nned to a board. His eyes drifted over her, taking in the thin dress, her bare arms,

ead out, his face a mask of irritation that instantly morp

. You'r

tention remained fixed on Clara. He tilt

, but the word died on her lips. How cou

escaped him. He pushed open the suite door and walked in

r and sycophancy. He wore a faded, army-green jacket that looked like it had seen better days, a stark contrast

ed to bridge the awkward silence. "Mr. Carlisle, is t

e glance. "This? Sixty-nine bucks

kles. No one dared question him. He had just demonstrated, with a few words,

ively. "Sit, sit. Don't

w revolved around him. He was the sun, and

no empty seats. All she wanted was to disappear, to melt into the floorboards.

n his voice cut through the room again. It w

ou think yo

in the room swiveled back to her. She w