soft click of the door caught Alexi

height casting a shadow, his expression

d anticipated this

to her cheeks, a robe slipping low on her should

revealed soft lines of skin; the faint scent of shampo

enough for her cheeks to flush, before he looked a

ly arranged breakfast. Hunger won out over pride; she took her seat wi

ce, only breaking the silence after she'd ne

cup, eyes meeting his sq

though his eyes stayed cold. "I

nd grimaced for just a moment, though she qu

she was too stubborn to admit she needed help. After all,

me when I say th

ng with a knowing glint. "Why wouldn't I? Ale

he managed a small, genuine smile in return.

s done, Alexia go

glanced back. "Thank you," she said

ance she'd forg

.

d Roger's patience was quickly wearing thin as he

erself closer to him, sugar in her tone as she pouted. "You haven't forgott

rfect stage to introduce Marilee-the timing of her comeback couldn't have been more ideal. Ever

on sent a flicker of une

n right before the election of its new president

ar the doorway sna

nstant, it felt as though the

n on a single figure gliding

r the polished floor. Each stride radiated poise and quiet confidence. The sc

rew tighter, until it disappeared altogether

her; his eyes remained glued to A

hroat, visible in the small, n

same person from last night-the awkward glasse

replaced by someone utterly diff

her; she'd just chosen not to make a show of it. Childhood lessons had always em

Roger's grandmother and fielding disapproval from a mother

lothes escaped scrutiny. Every detail h

her closet-only baggy, forgetta

, though, wa

erver, ordered a tequila, and began paging throug

pe you're alright after yesterday. The reporters caught us all off guard. So