self-worth and the cold stares she received from Carson's mother and sister. She tried to make every moment out of the way, confining most of her time within

vie star who didn't have any business, either running into them or saving their lives. They saw in her their threat to immaculate reputation-a scandalously public woman she would

seeing that everything was there for her. Up close, though, there was a distance in his eye; it obstructed real purpose f

that he loathed yet was very willing to stick to unti

rbs by Mrs. Grey, Laura felt she needed some fresh air. So, she left the dining room

books were ended by a massive, laden oak at either end of it. The air was full of the smell of leather and

o close her eyes for a moment felt so good. The entire time of her stay in New York, she was never alone, eithe

open, and Carson stepped inside. He saw her and

find you here," he

eeded some space," she said. "Your mothe

nto the room. "I'm sorry about them

e frustration working its way right to the surface. "Why did y

here because it's part of our agreement, but, more than that, I

ng to happen. They've got their

ey don't know

think you know

n that contract, but you did it anyway. That says a lot about you." Laura's heart fluttered at his words. This was warm and sincere in a way completely unlike the Ryan she knew from school. Part of he

asy, Carson. Your mother and Vivian...

we can't let them rule our lives. We made a deal, Lau

ker. "What about afterward, wh

"Let's worry about that when we have to," he said at

at they had a deal and that now he had to go through with it. But with every moment that passed in the Grey House, she