self up, her joints aching from the uncomfortable cushions

onservative, dark navy dress. The thick fabric and loose cu

the dark circles under her eyes, and grabbed her black clutch. She wa

mmuters. Elle held onto the metal pole, t

She walked up to the heavy glass doors of the Michelin-starred restaurant. The maître d' chec

t to a woman dripping in diamonds. Mrs. Molina wore a t

ately and pulled ou

down Elle's navy dress. Her lips t

Elle said, sitting down and p

. Molina said. She did not bother to return th

y smooth. "My mother is ret

, breathy laugh that held n

d placed his warm hand over Elle's c

the table holding a bottle of vintage

"I am on a strict medication regimen

ly at the mention of family planning. Sh

of truffle oil hit the back of Elle's throat. Her s

a moment," El

shed through the door, and leaned over the marble sink. She turned on the cold wate

wel, checked her pale reflection, a

orner, she slammed hard into a solid chest. The heavy, unmistak

tared down at her, his

arge hand shot out. His fingers clamp

" Cyrus demanded, his voi

Elle twisted her wrist, trying to break his grip. "Let

inside him. Cyrus stepped forward, forcing Elle to stu

ket fast," Cyrus sneered,

lungs. "My personal life is

rner. He stopped, his eyes locking onto Cyrus's hand gripping E

?" Jan asked, his voice

rned his head and looked Jan up and down.

He looked back at Elle. "Does he know wh

as he blocked Cyrus's view of Elle. "Sir, I believe you have overste

st his crisp shirt collar. The idea of another man claimi

ing aura of a Wall Street predator rolled off him

k slightly. She glared at Cyrus. "Do not

tectively on Jan's arm. A flash of r

"Good luck to you both. Y

the corridor, his heavy footsteps fading

y gave out. She slum

ight. "What did he just do to you? That wasn't just a 'bad temper

sleeve. "No, please. Don't call the police, it will only make things infinitely

They walked back

them as they sat down.

he forced herself to smile, but her heart hammered wild