too big, too still, and far too cold for the heat she desperately needed. She stretched out flat on the cold whi

ing

an unfamiliar void. She had envisioned weddings, tender word and soft caress, joy unmingled with pai

ell-greased machine, reworking Isla's face into something almost unrecognizable-a satin-and-satin bride, not one that wept-and-scraped. Nina tried to coax a

uring the veil in place. "But you are stronger than

edges. "Gifted with strength is not always ideal," she

the hotel, waiting to catch a glimpse of the wedding of the year-Alexander Milton, the billionaire recluse,

had vowed she would save him-no matter what. But now, on the threshold of this day, she wasn't so cer

ers and murmurs echoing the hall like an electric current. Alexander's father and family and coworkers at work sat down grim-faced with ac

slicked back, storm-gray eyes piercing through everything. But today, there was something different in those eyes-a flicker

owly, slowly, as though she was being carried along by her own legs. All the guests' gazes were on h

. He blinked ruthlessly, as if to blot the second before it had time to settle. He was a man who was used to sta

were the words she had practiced, the vows made and not love. Alexander went on but t

ine. even when I do not a

est pro

take Isla Grant to be you

replied witho

lexander Milton to be you

paused befo

ttle on the front of her chest. She looked at him and saw the flash of

tood there, cold eyes following Isla with venom camouflaged behind courteous smiles, unease f

t of celebrants, doubt on her shoulders. Nina fol

ing hand into his. They made their way slowly around the dance floor, an unwilling pair bound together by d

eaned over Isla and whispered into h

o understood at that point that this wedding was not simple. It was the night's fire, but w

pressing in her chest. She takes refuge in the quiet of the hotel hallway

his world. This marri

s. Camila's venom, if it is to be blamed for the threat? Or else, some one hi