r emanating from Josh's breath as he spoke. "I was under

ottle of wine from the table. "Isn't drinking a typical part of social events?

d she couldn't leave unscathed without some form of concession. Thankfully, she wasn't on

ealization of her pregnancy halted h

ten million, pushed her. "What

ottle was overwhelming. But drinking d

menacingly. "If you don't drink,

"If I drink this bottle

ink more," Josh replied, his e

his word. "I trust you'll hon

fixed on her. She was betting on a chan

corner, who seemed wholly disinter

aiting for Roderick to save you?"

ton! All Bartons are bastard

sign of intervening, sh

moment, thrust the bo

r lips. Amid the tense silence, a calm, authoritative voice interrupted, "On

manded attention. Some individ

recognized the speaker. "Mr. Barton, you're joking. I'm just

between his lips. The blue flame vanished, leavin

erly silent, the

tting through the quie

ith a forced smile. "Mr. Barton, I'm merely trying to charm a woman I've admir

's attention was not on Josh but fixed firmly o

on her lips, Lena responded without hes

Collin then turned

izing that Collin was undermining his intentions, hi

to have his way with the

to speed with the home affairs, having just returned. Even your older brother affords me