g blankly into the brightly lit mirror. She picked up a tube of expensive red lipstic

droom door, pulling her out of

, expecting Mrs. Davies t

eout bag. The rich, earthy scent of truffle pasta-from the most ex

the small glass ta

ly surprised. The restaurant had a six-month waitin

mask. A strange warmth spread in her ches

ending to walk over and

marble surface of the vanity. The harsh vibr

at the screen. It w

in thirty minutes. Lat

en the warm, fragrant takeout bag on the

across the keyboard, typing a rapid rep

ed, the walls slamming back into place. She

Alex, her voice crisp and detached.

of a second. It was a microscopic movement, but it

s face was an impassive ma

owly. "I will have the kit

mach. She had just rejected his incredibly thoughtful

d to be seen in public with Julian tonight. The gossip columns are

opened the bedroom door

tly. His tone betrayed absolutely nothing.

. She brushed past him into the hallway, the sce

d back to face him, a sudden, f

tely cleared for my dress fitting t

ediately sent a directive to Julian's executive ass

confirmed. His dark eyes met

over the corporate calendar. She turned

d the elevator doors close. He was e

ffle pasta. He carried it down the hall, walked into the pristine kitchen

ed so hard his teeth ached. He closed his eyes, torturing himself w