use like a blade, illuminating the clean, ruthless lines of the room. Everything abou

he fog of uneasy sleep. It took a moment to remember where she was. Not her tiny apartment

e

den's

den's

it of the overnight staff and anyone watching. There'd been no romance, no whispered promises in the da

ally, had

ilk sheets were cool against her skin, the scent of something dark and masculine

almost peaceful. An ocean of l

s - tousled chestnut hair, deep-set hazel eyes, and

ed pret

ould do i

k sounded a

ed, adjusting the r

st. "Good morning, Miss Vale. Mr. Alistair asked me to see that yo

polite smile. "T

head and disappeared as

croissants, coffee strong enough to resurrect

walled hallway. The penthouse was silent, the only sound the distant

a king or a villain - all dark wood, leather-bound volumes, and the low gleam of g

f Carlson's team can't deliver, find som

oked up, his gaze sweepi

he said, setting

re," Serena said, leanin

ow. "Where els

meetings after a public engagement. You let the illu

not quite a smile. "Perhaps. B

hing the strands of her hair. She didn't sit, r

of business

her with the same calculating focus

the story within the hour. Our engagement is publi

tional

or sentimental vows. What he cares about is power. Influence. Control. To him

r stomach knot

rity auctions. You'll be photographed on my arm. And you'll play y

" she ask

ter's surgery is scheduled for next month.

verage. A way to keep her tethered, com

d. "I und

this afternoon. You'll need a wardrobe for upcoming events. De

a doll,

ckering in his expression. "You're not.

spond, the intercom bu

r, your moth

se under his brea

nto the room like a frost-laced storm. Impeccably dressed in a t

y, her gaze sliding to Serena with pr

oling her feature

son's bed," Evelyn murmured, a

fine, t

"Mother, why

d expensive. "I thought I'd welcome our newest addition to the family. After al

"I might be unfamiliar to your circles,

e a woman who doesn't yet grasp the d

said, his voic

er glass. "To s

e, unflinching. "I

e sound. "Oh, I like her. Let'

t out, leaving a wake o

orless breath. "Wel

didn't reach her eyes. "I