years

om Paris touched down smoothly on the

hysical force. She wore a tailored trench coat, razor-sharp stilettos that clicked with authority on

r of Four or five years old twins. They were exquisi

tcase, his other hand flying across the screen of a table

, sweeping across the bustling terminal. "Maman," she said, her voice clear and precis

dyguards, a human wall separating him from the world. He was thinner than he had been five years ago, his face carved into sharper, harder lines

nt, swept across the cro

e line of her shoulders, the way she held her head, the confident s

slammed against his ribs,

thed, the name a

yguard aside with a strength born of pure desper

anger. He knocked over a janitor's cart, sending water and cleaning supplies skidding across the po

His hand was outstretched, his fingers

ur group, loud and chaotic, a sea of matching hats and cameras. They

a hoarse cry of her name, but he

group had pass

It was as if she had been a mirage, a hal

A tremor ran through his body. The wild hope that had flared in his chest collapsed into a black

armored Cadillac Escalade. The twins were already buckled in, Tristan imm

nse haircut, sat in the front passenger seat.

ntire S-list cast and crew are on pins and needles, waiting for the

as now a canvas of cool confidence and subtle strength, her makeup immaculate, her

them waiting,

c. It didn't head for the gleaming towers of Midtown, but toward the sprawling warehouse

he twins, nodding to the broad-shouldered bo

clicking on the pavement as she walk

ed in a garish, over-the-top costume, was sc

ing in the cavernous space. "Who is this NINE, anyway? Some pretentious

ed weary, frustrated glances. Everyone knew Melody was only here because her sister's fianc

through Melody's tirade. A steady, rhyth

oundstage turned to

from outside. She paused for a moment, letting the silence

r throat. Her eyes widened in stunned, horrified recognition. The face was familiar,

his finger trembling as he