about." Lina kept her voice even. "And I've also told you we can just g

head - how they could both walk away cleanly

hed. Not a

pped back, looking her over like she was something he'd bought at a discount. "Nobody told me what I was getting. Now the debt's paid and yo

ter, a dress landed o

dinner." He didn't look at her when he

-

was fine with Lina. In public, Julian transformed - charming, polished, the picture of a successful man with a happy m

aying the devoted husband, he usually didn't co

sweet. Then they'd gone in for a routine medical checkup, and something in the results had

the restaurant. His voice went flat and businesslike. "He runs Cross

ned her dress. "Smile, look

tone clearly annoyed

-

hown to a private dining room. Their guest hadn't arrived yet, and

and pushed open the door, there was a ma

ing to. The man across from

not from having nothing to say but from not feeling the need to say it. He was turning

e look

othly into his public persona. "This is D

ed. His eyes stayed on her for just a second longer t

he light

hurried, with just enough warmth i

* She'd never met this man

n apology for being late. Then, sensing the tension sitting thick b

pour y

, watching her. "You're doi

you

p his glass and drank - unhurried, easy

the meal, the

-

rver and handle the bill, leaving Lin

ier, more deliberate. Damian leaned back in his chair, complete

me?" he said finally. His

wned. "S

closed the distance between them and hugged her from behind. Whe

k har