erately to break the suffocating awkwardn

nge of subject, asking about Preston'

or a moment before turning

al, Alaina?" Preston asked warmly.

l for an excuse to pull her eyes

ersona. "The surgical schedule has been

lly, my three-year-old niece, Poppy, is scheduled for

away. Her face softened into an

's chart this morning. I am t

God. Knowing she has the top maxillofacial sur

nst a marble pillar, stiffened sl

n his eyes cracked for

t confidence and the brilliant profe

o the night in his dorm room was no

ide and sick, twisted possessiv

down, burying it und

laugh. It shattered the warm m

f to the bone just to climb the lad

ical blow. He still believed she

spine. Her hands curled

ive stare head-on. Her e

night," Alaina said, her voice devoid of any

k Jarred's deep

hal. The air around him

adly crossfire, decided to chime

t have to burn yourself out like this. A woman as brilliant as you deserve

k. He glared at the lawyer with a

d. The rest of his sent

sgust toward Mark. She snatched h

think a woman's ultimate goal is to marry