ft patterns across the walls. Ava stood by the tall windows, Steve's silk shirt brushing a

against her back. He placed his hands on her hips, stead

ed. "Micheal painted me as crazy. My father i

nge the story." His fingers slid up her arms, leaving trails of warmth. "But n

they did." She rose on her toes and kissed him, harder this time. Steve res

h. "You keep kissing me like that

to snap," she s

o the wide leather sofa. He laid her down gentl

His fingers traced the collar of the silk shirt she wore,

lling him down. "I don'

under the shirt, resting on her bare waist. The heat of his pa

ispered. "This wasn't supp

ent as planned." She ran her fingers through his dark

just your company. Not just revenge. You." He kissed her neck, slow

ords and his mouth on her

nthouse. Steve tensed and stood up

," he orde

opened it. Norman Early st

conference. He's claiming Lois had another breakdown and might be

breath. "He's moving

adows. "He's trying to lock

he saw her in Steve's shirt

waist. "She stays with me. Get our lawyers

about this? Bringing her i

is grip tightening possessi

r bedroom. The massive bed dominated the room

," he said. "I'll t

r voice was quiet but firm. "I

long moment. "If I stay,

pressing her body a

. His hands explored her back as he walked her backward towa

in me," Steve whisp

y down his back. "Good. I want to ru

ed, breaths slowly calming. Steve t

d to know - are you ready to become someone new? Becaus

es, heart heavy but de

her forehead. "Then sleep.

time since the gala, she felt safe. But as sleep pulled her un

ilently, his

red. "Wh

pulled her closer. "Nothing yo

ce carried

ered like a kingdom waiting to be c