to the cold, dark alley. The door slammed shut beh

l sound, and tried to push himself upright. As he shifted his weight, his foot slipped o

thin bartender uniform. It felt lik

solid chest. "Stand straight," she order

frames. "My core temperature is exceeding safe parameters

nded like a malfunctioning robot. She grabbed his arm, her fi

toward the main street. The cold wi

ped out, his eyes widening as he saw Kory's state. He rushed to open the back door, looking at Adaline with urgent politeness. "Miss, do you need assistance with him?

nearest luxury hotel," she told t

usly touch-averse boss clutching the woman's hands without resistance, he as

across the smooth leather seat. His hea

ripped it loose, popping the top button of his shir

rabbed his hands to stop him from

A sharp jolt of electricity passed between their palms. Adaline's breath caught in

nd shoved it at the driver. The chauffeur blinked in brief bewilderment at the cash, but respectfully

lass doors. The bright, crystal chandeliers in the lobby made Kory wi

onist looked up, her eyes narrowing suspiciously at A

ptionist asked, her tone d

r pocket. He pulled out a heavy, matte-black metal card and t

eer panic. The disdain vanished instantly, replaced by absolute

plated keycard. "Penthouse suite, s

d the situation. She assumed the woman was simply intimidated by a wealthy, demanding jerk flashing a heavy metal card, eager to

ed the gold card. The doors closed, and the elevator sh

ng Adaline hard against the mirrored wall of the elevator. His hands

initial shock melted away. The crushing grief of Chandler's betrayal flared u

backward into the penthouse hallway, Kory followi

uite door. The light flashed green. She pu

kicked the door shut behind them. The loud

d her waist and lifted her up effortlessly. He carried her across t

back and ripped his plain white shirt open, t

mic physique. Instead, she saw a surprisingly

Chandler's mocking face flashed in her mind. Di

reached up, grabbed Kory by the collar of his

romance. He moved with rigid, urgent intensity, treating the intimacy like

lower lip hard to suppress a complaint. The friction

ering over her. His brow furrowed deeply, as if his brain was tr

e chaotic, uncoordinated rhythm. Adaline gripped the expensive sil

nd friction. The physical exertion final

nto a heavy, exhausted sleep on the hotel bed. Kory collapsed he