lingering on Lawrence, then on Ethan. The weight of his scrutiny was palpable even from across the

decisive click. The sound

ced, his voice carrying the weight of a

, spraying wine across the tablecloth. "Grandpa,

unyielding. "And she holds Carlisle shares. There is no more suitable match." He turned his piercing gaze on his grandson

no rush." Her protest was weak, but her meaning was clear. Ava, the orphan, the ward, was not the daughter-i

his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'l

her resistance. Lawrence mumbled something about dessert

hat might have been a dream five years ago was now a waking nightma

e barely a whisper. "the jet lag is catch

wn on her back. In the sanctuary of her guest room, she leaned

voice drifted through the doo

ook that new club downtown..." His voice trailed off as he s

the final straw. A hot surge of anger, pure and cleansing, burned through her exhaustion

r open, a furious

wasn'

ectly tailored dark suit that seemed to absorb the light around him. His face was all sharp angles and shad

her throat. All that was left was the primal, ins

pale face, her trembling hands. He seemed to see everything. She felt

moment longer, then turned and walked towards his own room at the end of the hall, his footstep

cated kind of dread settling deep in her bones. She finally found the s