wrapped around a delicate porcelain teacup. I wasn't drinki

spread marmalade over his toast, smiling to h

n invitation this morning," he sa

the teacup, watching the dark liquid ripp

nued, his voice swelling with satisfaction. "He's invited us

mach t

to ask why.

wanted m

guts-I'd g

faction. "I knew he'd take notice of me eventually. The Laurents don't jus

lling my movements so they didn't b

e flicked to my cheek, the visible ha

ed heavily, shaking his head like he wa

e girl entered, her expr

on," Wilbet said, waving a dismissive hand. "Make sure she covers t

wa

only a second before

Wilbet's gaze slid back to me, his expression unre

you som

t box. "A gift for you," he said, sliding it ac

it withou

with a huge, dripping cut-must be hundr

ing the sharp edges press into my

ike

Wilbet said, wa

ze, my voice e

nk y

re you wear it tonight. I want t

round my throat, its wei

t the dull ache spreading across my cheek. Wilbet was still watching, that smug, self-sat

only to hide my expression, and took a

bastard seated

ur dress for tonight. Something elegant. Classy. And expensive, of course. I don't trust that gi

im, out the window where the morni

uttoning his cuffs. "I have business t

n't a

mb grazing over the bruise on my cheek. His expression darkened for a fraction of

Raya covers this w

link. Didn

d gi

is jacket, and strode out of the

ip on the coffee cup tightene

urling it aga

oft voice broke th

g cautiously by the door. She said

ngs for your shower,

ng from my cha

Would you like any

ost l

r? A way out? Freedom? A dif

e empty doorway where Wilbet

replie

nod before disappea

ng my shoulders back, willing

d go to Malcolm

the den of a man Wilbet des

tupid

dn't

lcolm's invitation had not

way Malcolm's gaze had settled

n't abou

as abo