ia's

and Brenda returned home f

ng sapphire necklace, several vivid, unmistaka

e counter pouring my

er, watching me with an

glance, stepped back a few pac

ft box in her hand. "I picked out a silk scarf for you at the boutique, too. As your futu

orange box on the marble coun

aid, hands at my sides, calm and

d and turned

ght. She's been cooped up in the house for months - a

brow crease

, always saying the men in those circles were wolves who ate people without spitting

." A hint of hesitation

st and pressing her face into the crook of his neck, "she's

ing look, Channing's resi

ded quietly. "If

answered, e

ght, they stood side by sid

ing them curled into each other, I felt

d in the grand ballroom

g, and waiters in black vests glided through th

er to business magnates and political dignitaries. Whenever a

orner near the terrace,

t of a glass of red wine splashed

y!" the woman gasped,

right,"

g and Brenda, who were t

phone, "my dress is stained. I need to go to the ladi

, Channing absently took t

e restroom, Channing was standing by the

reen lit up with a new-message n

moment I came near. "Why does she keep sending you