-

gh the air, sharp and commanding, a t

he fire in her chest burned hot with defiance, and for a fleeting second, she shot him a

anything-her discomfort was enough. The way she shifted her weight from foot to foot, the slight tremble in her hands, the

em felt their stomachs churn under his steely glare. Their nerves unraveled as they attempted to suppress their fear, yet

king at them. His foc

te to be free. She wanted to run-to turn and bolt-but her legs betrayed her, rooted to the spot. Every step toward him felt lik

oser she got, the heavier the air became. She felt suffocated

oice boomed again, sharp a

shed through her mind. She could still feel the ghost of his hands on her waist, the way his chest had pressed against

This man was a stranger, yet he wielded an unsettling

berating through the room as he advanced toward her. Each st

ice barely audible, trembling with

lips curled into a predatory smirk as

e contorted with rage as she clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She had adored Austin from afar, fantasiz

out even sparing them a glance. His voice was cold, calculat

lips brushed her ear, then trailed down her neck. His kisses were deliberate, each one sending shivers throu

t is he doing?** she thought, panic rising in her throat. Every fiber of

om eru

ce?!" Lucille's voice cracked as she st

ment danced in his eyes as he turned to face the other women. "She's not a p

g beneath the surface. "What does she have that we don't?" on

ds trembled at her sides, and her heart thudded painf

The other women could no longer contain their outrage. With disgusted glares, they

omething almost playful. "That's your uniform," he said, motioning to a black-and-

ts clenched at her sides as she glared at him, her voice low an

nto hers. "Do you want more, madam? That look in your eyes tel

eyes, she snatched the maid's dress from the table, her movements jerk

, Miss Aubrey," came a gent

d expression offering a sliver of

a warm smile. "You're official

ricted as the realization settled over her lik

gaze etched into her thoughts. Clutching her luggage tightly, she

d become