sharp and quick, slicing

yone-Chris had made sure of that. No visitors. No

ock. Then

atched. A man stood in the hallway, tall and dressed in a deep navy delivery uniform. His cap was pulled low over his eyes, ca

take. Maybe someone had delive

r gut

e asked, her vo

enough for the light above t

lood turn

was

ui

from h

here-couldn't be here. This mansion was locked down, guarded, constantly surveilled.

ied her more th

wide enough to speak. "

th. "Special delivery," he said smoothly, lifting

re." Her voice faltered, and

nctively moved back. "It wasn't hard, Xochi. A uniform, a name b

d for someone. But her body didn't move. Something about Louis al

assing," she

d react, pushing the door shut behind him with the softest click. T

aid. "I just needed a mom

shot back. "Manipulation?

't sound so disappointed. I'

ause breaking in wearing a

eryone thinks you're someone else." His voice was steady, unnerving in its

. "What do yo

ething unreadable flickering behind his gaze

ready

n't. You think Chris is your jailer? You'r

, unwilling to le

s locked on hers. "You don't belong here, not like this. Not as a pa

want yo

ng it. I'm givi

irmly. "You're g

dropped. Something col

e doesn't loosen his grip. He breaks you until you're pliant. And

tremor that ran thro

ke he was testing for cracks. "I don't

athe. The room felt smaller now, dark

e muttered. "You're here for

over in his hands thoughtfully. "Let's jus

pa

ing, isn't it?" she

be not. But you'll want to be on t

ore, a knock came from th

oth st

r knock-more ins

ifted. He set the parcel d

he muttered, gaze da

e thundered

r creak

in his voice, he gave Louis a quizzical look, and mentally concl

caught in a silence that sai

on?" she asked

lans," Henri said evenly. "

k just enough to let her pass. "Loo

ly for a second-befo

softly as she stepp

er was already unraveling. And she had the sinking fe

but Xochi's heart thundered

th each passing second. Xochi's heart raced as she turned a corner, only

d quietly, his voice like ice.