ria directing two movers as they carried a set of

ts?" Nina asked, he

eference. "Not guests, Miss Nina. It's for t

over the banister. The name

Hanco

ld-blooded predator. In the original story, he was the one who personally orchest

ncontrolled rhythm. It was a strange mix of

, a blunt instrument. Julian... Julian was the final boss. The one who

lways acted through proxies, through lawyers, through others. As if something invisible had stayed his hand. S

Maria continued, oblivious to the storm raging in

tight nod, her face a

ng. This changed everything.

led, she would be facing a far more intelligent, far more dange

, pretending not to notice the glacial tension in the back seat. Ryan sat pressed against the op

caught in his blond hair, making him look

He wasn't enough. He

efore it had even come to a complete stop. He strode toward the main building

eisurely pace, her backpa

main hall. Ashleigh and her court of s

ardened, her eyes narrowing with a look of open hostility. Her friends started

er path set to intersect with their little circle. She ke

her shoulder connect sq

Ashleigh stumbled back with a theatrical gas

re going!" one of

tterly blank. Her eyes were so calm, so devoid of emotio

yan was there, talking to a couple of his teammat

rf

let her voice carry, just loud enough

na said, her voice dripping with contempt.

of breath rippled th

blotchy red. She was so furiou

anished, replaced by a dark scowl. He pushed past his team

e heavy. Purp

was about