uld play the part of the dutiful wife. She would rest, get her strength back, and find a way to access enough money to disappear. She would take Leo, and she would take this un

ionists and a private chef had taken over the kitchen. Her days became a relentless parade of restorative meals. T

my chicken soup so rich the smell alone made he

ld Damien, pushing the t

ated, his tone leaving no room for debate. H

ed out onto the balcony to take the call, she bolted. She ran to the bathroom, knelt before the toilet, and wretched up the soup

wl on the tray, and a flicker of something like satisfaction crossed his face. He cam

better?"

be actively trying to make her sick again. In a strange, counterintuitive move, she leaned into him, resting her head

r, pulling her closer. "See?" he murmured, his voice a low rumbl

closed her eyes and let the exhaustion claim

h a bowl of soup. Halle stared at it, h

ing that looked almost like concern. "You look te

clan. It was the one night a year the entire viper's nest gathered in one place. She had been dreading it, but now, it

she said, her voic

n drink the soup." It w

the bowl. It was a mistake. Her stomach revolted instantly. A violent gag reflex sent her

When she came back out, wiping her mouth with a towel, Damien

she said weakly. "My sto

ed out his phone, his thumb already moving to