s, and the way he handled problems was ruthl

hip in just three days, acting fast and without hesitation. The fallout was immediate. Complaints spread be

ton stood rigid and silent, praying he would no

is eyes colder than steel. "That Avery. He caught my

s stiffen. The name left unspoken needed no explanation

swering. "I do not think so. From what I c

efore he swallowed hard, bracing

out this?" Kellan asked, his tone sha

ickly. "I will look into it immediately. I will

mission, he turned and

.

armth brushing against her face. She lifted an arm to block the bright

d a wooden plaque resting on the table, th

lace she had heard whispered about ever since joining Horizon Group. Exhaustion from the co

er the bed, and rolled her stiff neck, irritati

even beaten her. The more she thoug

d a row of refined wardrobes, their surfaces polished

the main door had been spa

ach one depicting indulgent scenes of n

ip as she muttered,

a specially made chest skin patch, blending it seamlessly with her

rous. Her instincts war

eeping for her car until a sudden sound behind her made her tens

ad, her breath catching when a sharp, han

g up without warning, always

Kellan's face before it vanished behind a mask of cool

standing in front of him was Avery, the same on

ory surfaced, every ache in her body remin

a teasing drawl. "Well, this is a surprise. Di

, her tone careless and bold while her eyes traveled over hi

she knew better than to challenge him head on again. If she c

sharp and unforgiving. Disrespect was something he n

eant this person had learned

idence had been moments earlier. She straightened at once, her fingers tightening as ins