o-ceiling windows, illuminating the space in a soft golde

she had no intention of drinking. Everything about this place scream

well,

e to. His voice was always the same-smoot

k," she rep

ade the most profitabl

er coffee cup. "Congratulations

er his arm. Dressed in a crisp navy suit, his tie already in place, h

ember the press

miss it. Nothing says 'true love

her. "They're already watching, Ariana. One wr

hen you better smil

+

lists, socialites, and carefully selected paparazzi. The sun glinted o

le pink dress that screamed money and elegance

rfect

most eligible bachelor in the country?" a young f

nd on Damon's chest. "Like winning th

owd ch

orter cut in, "what made

aist. "Some deals you don't negoti

t-so convincingly-almost made her questi

mo

ips brushing cheeks. But behind every click of the

ole, the more she wondere

+

uiet again. Ariana stood barefoot in the living room

today," Damon said, walking

pris

ress

eful. You almost

.. when I

ared between them-part hatred, part

" she said quietly. "This arra

oesn't mean you

ard by the odd metaphor, then

re. Living in my hom

diamond on her finger

imity for power," s

make this clear. Whatever game you think you're play

ed, but she he

entually," she whi

+

sleep didn't

cing. Memories swirled like smoke-her father's laughte

kru

an

tion Acquires

n television-so calm, so untouc

ld. And she would tear

the hallway. Damon's office was at the end. She had seen the secu

k. But she had to

r robe. It was custom-made, encrypted, untraceable. If she coul

d the door

nd dangerous, cut t

do that if

omach

d her, arms crossed, shirt unbuttoned at the

e you been st

u're just a curious wife...

n. "Maybe I don't tru

ard. "Good. I don't

thick as steel. Then Damon leaned

break into my office,

Ariana frozen in the h

amon wasn't just watch

w, so