e. "I have to go," she said abruptl

m the cocktail and the sudden shock. Paige

e passed a small, slick spot on the floor where a drink had been spilled,

with lightning speed. He dropped the tray with a clatter, his

?" he asked, his voice

lrous gesture that lasted

rom the shadows, it wa

next he was there, shoving the bartender away from Chloe. Before a

a collective gasp from the patrons. Ethan stumbled b

reamed, horrified.

ing a silk pocket square from her purse to press aga

for a stranger a stark, painful contrast to the coldness she

flesh, and hauled her to her feet. He glared at the stunned onlookers,

ay from

term of endearment. They were a brand-a claim of owne

t of the bar and into the cold night air. He practically threw her into the

ching the city lights blur into streaks as silent tears traced paths down her cheeks. The

placed by a tense, unfamiliar agitation

say anything?" he dem

ars had stopped, but her eyes were unnervingly co

quiet. "That you're an unhinged lunatic? Or should

nned by her shar

at the funniest part of all this is?" she asked, her eyes boring

g in the air, comp

I was forced to marry was someone worthy of respect. I was so naive," she said, her voi

when I look at you... all I feel is disgust. You make me sick to my stomach. And the though