f a beast. Cold steel, taller than trees, flanked by cameras

side Leo, who hadn't said a word the entire ride. His posture had remained statuesque, a perfect picture of controlled rag

before. She was wrong. Thi

e and lit it. "Care f

en she was with Daou and ne

don't

want an engine oper

r even wanted to give me one?

re talking to me. And yo

of servants standing at attention on either side. But it was the

Kavi

oon light like knives. Her gray-streaked hair was pulled into a tight chignon. He

r like a prisoner arriving

raked over her. No

did she g

ry as dust. "This is what disgr

nch, though her

" Mrs Kavinsky continued, slowly descending the stair

o said quiet

ay as well get used to how we speak around here." She turned to Lily. "I don't like you. I don't trust yo

happen," Lily murmure

None of us do, darling. But unlike you, we don't throw tantrum

y. She didn't ha

swept back up the stairs, trail

ed with Lily's ba

hole way, a looming shadow, u

t a honey

as a

need to feel like a home. Velvet curtains. Cream-colored walls. A grand canopy bed at

him, her voi

you bring

d, the door clicki

ethodically. Like she was somethi

begged for. Your mother the dignity of a second wedding. And your family

did

ou don't get to rewrite history, Lily.

ed me first,"

ad. "By asking y

You made deals with my parents behind my

ned. His voice

e prope

wing the scream that

racking. "Smile in public. Be a good wi

ng time. Then, so softly i

still in control

, and she instinc

le when spoken to. And you will give me heirs." He ran a finger along her

s hand away. "

red in his eyes. Not

sem

he murmured. "Let's se

ned an

inner was serv

idn't

ina did not dine with them. Leo sat at the hea

dared l

ily sat in her room on the

s no esc

-a k

he door creak

e

just enough to expose the

omach

N

the door b

uickly, stepping back. "I came back. I stood

ed once

ght, I c

ched. "You don't

a brow.

e of the vanity, grippi

, pl

r. "You're my wife now.

not r

've thought of that before you ran. Before yo

truck her

our little airport stunt would make him a hero? He is gone, Lily. And no

er eyes. "You'r

he said simply. She

r her face. S

't brutal. But

rt screamed

it was not a kiss-it was a theft