poke without lowering her voice. "So when are y

n's reputation is spotless. You should dea

ance flicked t

tened with indulgence. "You don't need to worry, Jennifer. I'

ied on as though Alici

nd her hands curled into tight fists

ould they say such thing

e they think

ip on her cane and swung it forward. The impact landed hard,

cheek. Rage twisted her expression as she charged forwar

, but before she could react, strong

late, baby," a man's voic

yn lost her balance and

nly after confirming she was not injured did she turn on Alicia, fury bla

her voice steady. "I can't see an

dent." Jared tightened his hold around her and reassured her, his tone sharp wi

elyn hissed, her glare filled wi

detached. "I wonder how many people would be interest

Kaelyn's feat

and drew Alicia closer to his chest.

ly around Alicia, Jared gui

er voice breaking under the strain. "I can't take this

er should have taken that woman in. Because of her, Kaelyn is carryi

nd both women fixed thei

when Kaelyn tugged at him impatiently did he snap back. After a pause, he spoke at last. "Please

carried ove

stop them, spilling down despi

r love, none of it had ever truly belonged to her.

amped down on her lower lip until pain fl

t once, and a dangerous c

htened his grip and led her back toward h

ked quietly, his gaze dropping

ut, and caught hold of his sleeve befo

his narrowed eyes as his voice