The words were a choked whisper, a desperate attempt

o Ethan, a slow, predatory smile spreading across his face. "Good," he sa

than's face. He looked p

ctions were a whirlwind of chaos, and she was c

uttered, trying to backtrack without con

e turned his gaze on Brooke, his expression shifting to one

his attention, Brooke flinche

t his own face. "Why?" he asked, his tone one

augh. Clara, against all logic, felt the corner of her mouth twitch. The sheer audacity of him was a

s peripheral visi

m. He rose to his feet, a slow, deliberate movement. He took

"The one who took my picture without permission, and the o

went through the room. L

Julian, Brooke didn't mean

his eyes flashing with genuine men

shrank

't like it." His finger then moved, slowly and deliberately, un

up, her eyes wid

lank mask. "So, the one who took the pictur

led, nonsensical mes

rly confused. "Apo

smile on his lips. "No. Apologize

d in silent, sh

. "Her laughter distracted me. It made me unhappy. Your photo made me unhappy. So you, the source of

was still reeling from Julian's "she's single" comment, his face a thunder

tience ran out. "Well?"

an to tremble. Tears welled in her eye