out of Aria. The adrenaline that had fueled her confrontation ebbe

flush against his solid frame. He held her securely, his

hed in his scent-cedar, expensive cologne, and something that was just him. For

es on her back. He held her like that for a long time, letting the frantic beating of hi

ble against her ear. "About going back to the estate." Th

She nodded, her gaze clear and unwavering. "I ha

pressure. "If this is another one of your tricks to get away from me, Aria..." His voi

r nose against his rough jaw. It was a soft, disarming gesture, something a kitt

im. He froze, his body going completely still. A dark, dangerous f

but firm. "I can't hide under your protection forever. I need to

he newfound steel in her spine. This wasn't the frightened, cornered animal he

voice a low, husky purr. "It'

nd of hair from her face. He turned and walked to the small bar in

he said. "To finally seeing the C

iquid, a memory flashed-the shimmering blue poison fillin

ss from her hand and set it down on the table with a sharp thud. "You don't want it, you d

She reached out and caught his hand, her fingers tracing the prominent vein

his eyes. "I'll find out who supplied them to Blair," he bit

eyes. "Don't bother," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "Le

of his suspicion melted away. He didn't just believe her; he was captivated

ed her to the bed as if she weighed nothing, laying her down

. "Whatever you want to do," he vowed, his voice low and intense. "Whatever game you want to pl

eyes. "Have you slept at all?" she asked, her voice filled with a genu

etheless. He stared at her for a moment, and

obe

s tie followed. He slipped under the covers beside her and g

steady beat of his heart against her ear. It was the most comforting sound in the world. T

hythmic pattern. "Sleep," he murmured

he exhaustion finally claimed her. The last of the s

. He watched her for a few more moments, his expres

d, replaced by the cold, r

tand. With silent, efficient taps, he sent a sin

p's European acquisition project. Effective i

home gift

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