's heated pool, scattering blinding reflections across t

ide a bank vault in Manhattan. For the first time in years

roke the silence. Adriene didn't move. She knew the sound. Elaina walked

iene's chair. She looked down, h

aid, keeping her eyes shut. "I

in my room again last night," Elaina whispered, her voice thick with vulg

d. "You really are pathetic," Adriene sneered. "Pick

class background. Her face twisted into an ugly sna

rs leading into the house. Dallin was walking qui

ina's face. She lunged forward and grab

the hold. The force wasn't strong, but Elaina used the momentum. Sh

as she tipped over the edge and crashe

ldly, swallowing water and screaming for help,

eyes went wide with panic as he saw Elaina sinking. He did

nted across the marble deck like a wild animal. Adri

t. He didn't even slow down. To save a fraction of a second, he thr

f her feet. She was thrown

he side of her head slammed heavily against the flat, unyielding s

went black for a terrifying second before swimming back into focus. Warm, thick blood rushed from the gash on he

ive splash sounded as Dallin dov

rd stone. She clutched her bleeding head,

us. He held her tight against his chest, kicking furiously toward the

the house. He stepped right over Adriene's legs. The cold water dripping from his

Through the red haze of her own b

ed, her voice trembl

is head. "If she dies, I will bury you," he s

ared down

beating of her heart. The blood dripped steadily onto the pristine white stone, fo

he blood. And t

laugh bubbled up her throat. A tear mi

ainst the cold stone. In that exact moment, the last micro