ght of the room on her shoulders as she walked through the grand entryway with James at her side. Like a pawn on a chessboard of riches and power, she had never

it. His presence commanded attention; when he spoke, others paid attention. Sophia wa

oom. His eyes stayed on the folks he recognized, each one extending a handshak

me close, and how their eyes flicked anxiously when he spoke. He was a force, a guy wh

roaching him. James's icy gaze scanned the throng befor

light change in the room. James was laying his claim on her. She was not only

really in his eyes. Her stomach in knots, Sophia nodded, uncert

gered just behind her, evaluating, controlling, as if he were quietly directing her every action. The more she s

cing through her body. Though brief and only a passing touch, the electricity between th

ok charge of everything around him, the authority in his voice, it had a mag

's eyes were on her, keen and unrelenting. Every so often, his glance darted to her, a quie

s he came to her side, his voice laced with possessiven

ed. "I know," she said softly, almos

n neither of them completely grasped but both of them felt, passed between them. Her

as painfully conscious of James's presence, always there, always watching. He had placed her next to him as though she were an accessory;

e piercing her mind. You are per

than a compliment. Still, she nodded, her heart pounding. She was unc

Sophia, I don't want you only to see myself. I want y

very phrase revealed to her the burden of his power; without her will, her

, his breath warm against her ear. Sophia, you have do

her head. What did he imply by that? Wha

Though the physical separation was little, the emotional one seemed great. James was a force, a

her path through the space. She was aware she was de

ung in the air, an unseen burden on her chest. Having watched him all day, she felt th

uled events with a simple look and how he brushed aside others with a word. It was not until

ir efforts to provide any answer, she saw him icily rip up a plan. Tho

ter" and waved them off cas

that consumed her was too great. He dominated the room, the m

office door shattered the stilln

met hers, and for a little second she sensed something else under the surface, something

ee of me," he said softly,

ether it was fear or something more haza

tioning. Working nonstop to finish everything before her certain run-in with James, Sophia

es's presence behind her had an undeniable weight. Turning to see him standing only a few s

oice soft and steady yet tinged with somet

body just brushing against hers. Leaning down until their faces were just inch

rm on her ear, "this isn't only about job. Sofia, yo

tween the want to struggle for her freedom and the clear draw he had over her. His t

egged her to. The doubt only heightened everything;

" she murmured, though her

low and knowing

t, but it was too late. Doubt had already been sown. Was she devel