obscene it made her feel sick. To her, the ring wasn't a symbol of love or commitment; it was a liability, a

d, her voice losing its conviction. "It's no

breachable wall. It was a tactic he used, she realized. He would wa

le. With a sigh of defeat, s

t, capturing her

fingers brushing against hers as he took her left hand. His touch was impers

to her finger, her gaz

th caught in

. A wide, simple, platinum ring that she had nev

r finger. It felt heavy, foreign. A brand. It locked her

voice devoid of any emotion. "My grandfather, Richard

e empire. And, oddly enough, the only member of the Sinclair clan who had ever shown her a shred of kindness

replaced by a different kind of anxiety. Richard Sinclair was sharp. He s

lian observed, his eyes narr

id quickly.

presence, you will be the perfect, loving wife. Every look, every touch,

the Bentley pulled smoothly out of the parking lot a

ed entrance of the Sinclair Estate, he didn't use the valet. He parked the car, got out

ormance

asant, serene smile and looped her arm through his. As they walked toward the massive front doo

stood at the top of the sweeping staircase, her expression a perfect port