een

my knuckles turned white, forcing my face into a m

y. "Just my pressed pow

g for two long seconds, calcula

uzzed violently in his palm with a serie

y panic. He threw a hurried, careless remark over his sh

e private corridor. The tension drained from m

ied Rejection document was intact, smoothed d

lack Bentley, opening the rear door with a respectful bow. "M

," I said coldly, walking

rating in the city's outer transit

driver asked, glancing

pointing toward Hazen's familiar license

ha's elite plates, but the quiet authorit

ide the rain-streaked window. The Maybach moved at

on the open air. Hazen's distinct cedar scent acted

r distance, trailing unnotice

pulled into the VIP emergency ba

the street, paid the fare, and s

Looking up at the illuminated hospital tow

r path around the perimeter to the staff entrance, using my old

ency stairs, my heels making almost no

open the heavy fire door. The hallway wa

oving like a shadow until I stood

in the central bed, showing none of the severe

n sat with his back to the door, while D

errified of losing him..." Domonique's voi

armth I had never received. "Don't be afraid. As lon

wave of deep disgust rose from my st

er Hazen's broad shoulder. Her eyes locked direct

ved into a smug, victorious smile. She shifted her weig

arm, wrapping it slow

ped to her e