ssion an unreadable mask that completely hid the passion from the night before. He didn't mention the dining room. He didn't apologiz

ter, the quiet of th

exploded right in front of her eyes,

e could stumble, a heavy, iron-clad arm locked around her waist, pulling her flush aga

his voice smooth and untroubled for the cameras,

red through a tight, artificial smile

crystal chandeliers, their low murmurs sounding like a hive of hornets. The moment they had stepped out of the limousine,

g her through the sea of vultures. He was a force of nature here. Every billionaire, CE

, her chest heaving as the weigh

ng its territory. He squeezed her waist, pulling her even closer until their thi

room full of sharks, his terrifying possessiveness was the only thing keeping he

Julian took a flute, handing it to her b

ally brought her out," a

into their path. His eyes darted to her, sharp and calculating. "We heard the rum

a cold, transactional register. His grip on her waist tightened to

earching for a crack. "Though, considering the rumors flying around the boar

ate my marriage," Julian sh

demand answers, to scream at both of them to tell her what these

barely draw air. "Julian," she whispered, her

es flashing with instant relu

less laugh, pulling away from his arm. "I think I

to grab her wrist and drag her back to his side. "Fi

uickly toward the corridor, her heart ham

cold water and splashing it against her face. She stared into the mirror, wiping a stray drop of water from her c

n door clicked

. It was the same woman she had noticed whispering near the entrance earlier. The woman didn't loo

alice. She pulled a lipstick from her clutch, her movements slow and

tural, fierce defenses instantly l

ease. Don't tell me you're sticking to that pathetic amnesia

for this," she said

blocking the exit. A nasty, triumphant smirk p

oying perfume. "Give it up, sweetheart. Everyone in our circle knows the truth. You had a massive blowout with J