t

turned our photograph into headline news. The silence insid

sleek, modern furniture looks immaculate because nobody ever sits on it. I spin the lucky silver ring around my neck, watching my reflection. To the world, I am Ethan Cross

es. Julian is already there making statements. Do not mess this up. I let out a low growl, shoving the phone into my tuxe

is a blinding sea of flashing lights, clinking champagne glasses, and fake smiles. The moment the gold-trimmed do

Look t

simple, elegant Emerald green silk dress that flows down her slender frame. Her dark hair is styled in loose waves, tumbling over

y sliding into place. "Smile, Mr. Cross," she murmurs through her teeth, her lips bar

cool, and trembling just a fraction. I squeeze it, anchoring her to my side

notorious sports journalist named Harrison, a man paid to des

moment your reputation started falling apart. Is Dr. Bennett just the club's latest attempt to repair your image after what happened with Julia

VIP bar, holding a glass of champagne, a smug, mocking smirk plastered across his face. He is waiting for me to lose control, to th

r clinical instincts kicking in to diffuse the

one. I don't let her finish. If she gives a clinical, defensive a

's space, and wrap my hand around the nape of her neck. Maya's eyes widen in sheer

f her lips and the sudden, breathless gasp she lets out against my mouth. The instant my lips meet hers, her entire body goes rigid. For one suspended heartbeat, she doesn't mo

tom lip for a heartbeat too long. I can still fee

ia goes absolutely feral. The camera shutters sound like machine-gun fire. I turn back to Harrison, my arm wrapping tightly around Maya's waist, pulling her possessively against my side

I demand, my voice low, dangerous, and utterly c

he press line, my hand is still locked firmly around

bsolute fury radiating off the woman next to me, I realize a terr