across the massive room, filled with fresh fruit, eggs, to

the table, Derek Mo

robe I had found draped over the chair in my

s chair, his sharp gaze

mind caught up. I ank into the seat acros

was smooth but la

te slowness. His eyes never left me, dark and assessing

asked, my voice steady despi

against the plate. "Your father was a fool

aw. "So, you to

d. "That'

thing I refused to name. Derek exuded raw power, th

't be on

-

at ease while I felt like I was unravelling. His confidence grated

ate away. "I w

that sent shivers down my s

hest. "You can't ke

ing his elbows on the t

d. "What's that

tay because, eventually,

certainty in his voice. I