nce loomed over her. His hand rested beside her head, caging

o speak like that?" His voi

still hear the gasps from the dinner, still feel

nged Lucian Hale in pu

ing but steady enough. "Maybe I'm tire

w tightened

humiliation, of coldness, of being tr

n herself. "You've made it clear this marriage means nothing to y

moment, she thought he would yell. Inste

aid, his lips curling. "You're just a contract, Amar

he clenched her fists, her voice cracking as she said, "Th

ng in the air l

flashed, his

re she could b

tilting her face up, and

ps were hard, punishing, as if he was trying to sile

beat thudded beneath her palms, fast and unsteady. She wanted to push him awa

her heart racing so fast she thou

suddenly, he

his eyes unreadable. For the first tim

tire body trembling. She cou

she whispered, he

antly, his mask snapping back int

said sharply,

cracked at

is eyes icy once again. "Don't mistake weakness f

. She turned her face away, her hand brushing

t, deep down, a small voice whispered the truth she di

ing da

down the hall. But his mind was in chaos. His chest

ched hi

ng. It has to