nte's eyes for a f

the moment he realized who it was, the alarm vanished.

the mask of cold arroganc

m, laced with danger. "What are you

and an old sweater. I looked like I belonged to the r

r's apartment," I said.

eaking glass-sharp and tinkling. "Oh, loo

ng her arm through Dante's

r pets off the leash," she sai

to detach her. He looked at me, his jaw tight

t? Or the penthouse you're build

"I am expanding the ter

ss?" I pointed

partner,"

She walked toward me. Her perfume was overpowe

was close enough that Dante couldn't hea

at her. The silence st

nted a reaction. She wanted me to

d out. She pretended to brush a

eck and collarbone. Her nails were sharp. She pi

stumbling

hrew hersel

apsed onto the dirty sidewalk, sprawling i

cried. "She

otion. He was betwee

ee if she was hurt. He looked at

ng with you?

aid. My voice was steady,

e he believed it. He always saw what h

a viper,

, clutching her ankle. "My ankle

beside her.

with a tenderness t

orn to protect me from the world w

rdered over his shoulder,

" I

y. The air around

me repeat m

y arm. His grip was bruising. H

arrassing me

ack door and sh

nst the lea

ng at me through the window before

hurt. She w