pte

in the

ntha

tiously pushed open the door. However, the sight of the man's expressionless face gazing

e. His keen green eyes locked with mine, the same ones that had once as

ted apartment. Memories I had buried long ago, praying never to see him ever more flooded

ou I'd find you," he said. "You did

n the next room, totally oblivious of the threat now prowling at our doo

m not sure what you think you're doing here."

I am not here for problems. I'm here to ensure you keep in mind yo

to keep one step ahead of him, protecting my son from the life I used

r this time, full of the wrath I had been st

ling. He moved back, hands in his pockets, still fixed on me. "Here's the deal, Sam. You are not positioned to

r, a nasty sneer twisting on his l

ry growing as I battled to keep my voice quiet. You k

ancing in his eyes. Is that i

bel himself as Ethan's father. He had not been there, had not shown concern when I had been terrified, alone,

nt from the nasty world Jared lived in, hence shielding him. And now the

out of it." Though I detested my weak voice, I was unable to

ollow my advice, and I will remain away from your beautiful little life. Cross me

there was no easy fix. Not with Jared here, not with Adrian waiting for me to perform my side of our

e a dagger before I could reply. He yanked it out, s

our little chat is over for now." But Sam, relax no

ddle of the room. I inhaled deeply and worked myself to cool off. Eth

t my life was sliding out of control. Between Adrian and Jared, I had no idea how I was going

ad, tormenting me even in sleep. I knew I had to face Adrian, uphold appearances and fu

osed to show up, to stalk me like a shadow I could not shake. Rather, though

d is waiting for you," but her eyes betrayed som

doors closed. I had no idea for how long I could maintain this front. I couldn't l

ays, his chilly, austere presence dominated the room. Although I detested his treatme

without turning ar

d no need to know why I was late. He had no need to know Jare

wing as he examined me as though he saw the

he questioned, "Is

my eyes, I pushed a sm

ould see straight through the falsehood. Then he nodded

Because our work is

ind kept straying back to Jared. I had believed I could shed my history and shield Etha

n would find out soo

do when he did