in uneven rhythm, too fast for comfo

t even

re center. Every shadow on the road whispered Ethan's name. Every

I just wa

a tired smile when I arrived

urmured, sign

eeded to

aceful. The monitor beside him beep

't you?" I whispered. "Me dancing under stage lights while wolves stare like I'm their n

l, oblivious to the st

ong enough for the fluorescent light

ger to cool int

ssed his forehead, and

l breath. I pulled my coat tighter and s

when I

engine. Deep. Predatory.

h clenched-and

-Royce rolled to a

ndow l

here

an

temptation dressed

he said, v

alking me down after offering a business

re not having this conv

ing anywher

ght distracted. You went straight to your father. You're spiraling. This is t

d. "So you've be

rotecting my

my chest

ought emotions were liabilities an

got in

o scared to fall, and too damn corne

ce was silent. Cold

like it was torn out of a New York buil

he building he gestured with his eyes for me to walk. And I here I was thinki

he taps on the last floor button. Then got

was silen

n't just cold-it was tense, like

t of the elevator into his apartme

stication. Power etched into every line of the wall

lik

ed himself a drink, and of

a bottle, ice or glass. This man was goddanm large. And for som

nswer," I said

urn. "I wan

, pull up outside a care center, and drag me to your penthouse like I'm not allowed

s because threats work, Layla. Peopl

on his lips. No

pped a leather-bound bind

cont

ai

timacy, unless mutually agreed. Which I doubt will happen on my side"

in return, I wipe every cent of your

like it might explode

f I break the t

. I won't protect you from the collectors. A

ous my

e I couldn

d no, but my bo

a. Not a miracle. Not a kind stranger. You're out here alone, and you've

ade me hate him a level more. If

im for be

the safety he promised, eve

ted how steady his voice sou