on their faces, the betrayal in Liam's eyes, the cracks forming in Ava's perfectly constructed facade. But even in her wi

ent to Adri

could never

d like a swarm o

g have you and Mr. Bla

your ex-fiancée moving on wit

any co

s jaw, and the way his fingers twitched slightly at his sides. Claire had learned how to r

ion that truly fed Cla

-her lips parted, her carefully placed expr

on. "I'm just shocked, really," she said, shaking her head as if she gave a damn. "

lenge laced in her words. She wanted Adrian to deny Clai

loser in silent defiance. Not that I owe you an expl

with something dangerous. "You should be careful, Claire.

indifferent to something sharper. But he didn't speak right away. He l

ith a slow exhale, A

ld know that

was effortless

-just for a moment. A tell.

tc

ing in his dark gaze. "I can assure you,

to smirk. He was enjoying

tuation, let out another airy laugh. "Well

g Ava carefully. "Oh, trust me,

pa

at, Claire knew

Close

them, Claire let out a breath and unclasped her grip from Adrian's arm. The heat of the

was smooth and casual, but someth

to face him.

deepened

approval stirred so

dows across Adrian's sharp, unreadable features. He was studying h

ole well," he admi

dow. "Years of pretending to be the

se. "Carter didn't expe

ved. "Oh, he's mo

seat, his dark eyes studying her more intent

without hesitatio

smile spread a

more alike th

in Hi

wood

finally understood the weight it carried. Everything about Adrian's world exuded power-the polished mar

arely had time to take in the modern

staying," he said, hand

brow. "You mean wher

ancing in his gaze. "You assume

ease. I assumed you'd at

require convincing chemistry. That includes

er arms. "And i

shifting. "Inside, you're safe from me.

eath h

n h

t the massive windows that overlooked

"Tomorrow, we make our first public outing

running a hand t

y entered Adrian

was no tur