LEY

were making their discreet exits, their hushed whispers following them into the da

ousy, was locked in a furious, low-voiced argument with his father

His appearance was a catastrophic variable I hadn't accounted for. Why was he here? Why wa

ests, a tall figure material

y went

ndred feet away. He spoke in a low, conversational tone, as if c

price, but the Paynes can afford it. It will wound t

t my ribs. I willed him to leave, to disappe

u and they are finished. You become a costly mistake, a lesson learned, and then yo

weakness I hadn't even realized existed until this very moment. I didn't

concern," I managed t

right. It isn't. But I do so enjoy a good story

ient, knowing, and terrifyingly intelligent. "Now, consider this," he murmured, leaning sli

rackled b

ason to contact them. Every payment is a fresh humiliation for Preston, a public r

perfectly aligned with the darkest desires of my ve

like silk and shadows. "You would be a chain they can never break. A nigh

e suggestion was diabolical. It was brillian

man. The ghost from my past. Why was he helping me? What was his a

wall of ice, betraying none of the turmoil inside me. "But why wou

Perhaps I enjoy watching a caged bird finally spread her wings," he murmured. "Or perhap

ed between us-sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. I

ger's counsel," I said, forc

n't have to trust me at all. You just have to choose the path that gives

rince Damon, who was watching us from a distance with an unreadable expression. He moved away as if

ver me. He was more dangerous than I could have ever imagined. He saw through me. He understo

deal with

going to

ne, their shoulders slumped in weary defeat, confer

hed my dress. I composed my face into a

an to walk

glass of wine to his lips, his golden eyes tracking my every move

t his side. "You've fou

e is more than a toy," he murmured, his voice laced with