ria's

kne

d twice and then died completely, like someone had reached into the mansion and yanked the power from its core. My breath hitched. I

barely came out,

hin

e crinkled in my palm. My room, moments ago a luxurious dream, now felt like a tomb. I st

the hand clamped tighter. Not hard. Not vio

arely heard, right by my ear.

ood f

houted, fear clawing at my throat. But there was no reply. The hand disap

actly how I'd left it. Nothi

f the desk to steady myself, my breath

later, it flew open and he rushed in, his eyes sweeping me from

though my body was shaking. "I... I thought I saw s

. "You're pal

ery inch of me was on edge. His warmth

y hair. "Probably a glitch in the system. Hap

too afraid to speak. I didn'

s thumb brushing my cheek.

lied. "Ju

had a long day." Rest? That was imposs

my bed, the note finally open in my han

ust him. He's not your enemy...

in frantic handwriting. My hands shook. I stuffed it

the hand on my waist. And now this note. Who was watching me? And w

ntrolling, sometim

ht. And when I did, I dreamed of dark figur

linked open to find a tray on the bedside table... breakf

ot

sweet act collided so strongly wi

ould use something warm to start your day. If

e, but the comfort lasted only

dressed in a fitting black shirt and slacks

t turning around. "Morning," I

ghed. "As well as someone can when

es darkened. "You're still

ott. Whispers. A darkness. Then a warning note

me to increase security? I can have gua

t knowing what's going on. And you...you're hi

was you. But it wasn't. Then this house, it's too guarded for a stranger to

g moment. Then..."Because someone is watchi

caught. "Y

didn't want to scare you." I stared a

his dark hair. "My father's enemies. Some of them believe mar

e y

at. At first, yes, it was strategic. But t

rt stu

ike I wasn't broken. Like I wasn't my father's shadow. I wan

at beside him. Close. But not tou

is what I want." He looked at me, and th

osest business allies will be there. And so will someone who

twisted. Dinner party. Allies. Secrets,

ck to my curves and shimmered slightly when I moved. Scott was waiting downs

red his

." "And you look like trouble,

hurt you." His fingers laced through

d, laughing and music booming through the rooms. Yet

passed.

ghed, played the perfect wife. But Scott

a whisper. He leaned in, lips near

woman walked in. Tall, raven-haired, dressed in a blo

stif

"Victoria... meet Claire." I stood bes

one I was supposed to marry." E

she smiled. "Nice to finally