long shadows across the room. Her fingers brushed over her stomach, feeling the soft flutter inside as the ba

erson she feared

her dress as memories of him surge

r creak

eakfast? Or should I just leave you t

thinking about Silas, about the deal she'd struck with him, and what would happen when Ivan

g Casey a long, searching look. "You know, I'm

she managed to keep her voic

rrogate. Something about you doesn't fit with all this. I've been

m just... trying to

with a hint of sarcasm. "But at what cos

the weight of her pa

echoed down the hallway. The door slammed open,

gaze hardening when he saw Mi

t she left without a word, closing the door behind

hick, and Casey could feel he

e was low, controlled, but she could hear

aid quietly, h

"Silas Ashcroft.

me. He wants... to control me.

t care who you are. But you'll learn soon enough that yo

ght of his words sinki

?" Ivan pressed, his

"Because I owe him. He's the reason I

icker of surprise quickly

a choice, Ivan. You think I wanted this? That I wanted to be here, with

face now inches from he

t me... if I did this. If I carried your child and gave him control of your legacy.

pulling her toward him. "So, you're telling me...

idn't look away. "I didn't choose th

ip loosened slightly, and he let go of her wrist, his fingers linge

o do?" His voice was q

do anything. I just... I just want you to stop looking at me like I

hem growing. He exhaled, running a hand through his hair in frust

's like. You're not the one carrying this baby. You're not the one living u

readable. Then, without another word,

u stay here. Out of sight

er chest. "You think you can control

dn't turn around. "You're under my protection

ed tears. Mine. The words stu

s trembling as she clutched her stomach. The baby kicked again, s

lity that nothing was ever going to be

ially not

her when the door to

one else. Just hi

g grin on his face as he watched her. "You

nse, her mind racing. "W

, calculating. "You owe me, Casey. You've

the walls closing in again. And jus