ood before Marcus Thorne,

ent, a reflection of the

be released fro

like a reinforced do

been with the family for a

his gaze

protocol for operatives at y

d. He knew it. A brut

ain, or to break those who dared to

re of the

pleasant experience. Few request

stand the

cheduled. Ten

ered the date. Serap

mbolic tying of his de

ept the

ation point, Ethan watched Se

r, looking pale and frai

o hold a small pistol,

iry sound that used to

was ju

phina away for a moment, J

, delicate f

ssing, found Ethan stan

, his voice thin but sharp

ched, his fa

l grate set into the greenhouse floor,

t for my feet. They g

e grate, then back to Julian.

ing to his knees

p through his trouser

turned, smil

ied out, stumbling

t! Oh, i

ards a small, overturne

er! Clumsy oaf! It

ulian' s side, her fa

, expensive leather shoe, ignoring the slight re

ees were now searing from the prolo

ling, silent, his e

ain down, a fam

stolen antiseptic cream to his raw knees in hi

there, a small

and began to gently apply a

as surprisi

mured, not meeting his eyes.

emained

poor excuse for

ooked up at him, her

e wedding. Keep him placated. Endure his provocations.

or a man

t care

ish, Miss