ri

spicion and defiance. What is going on in her head? Is she mad at me or does she want to back out because I am Declan's brother? H

break through her barrier. She turn

replied abs

ser until my lips were near her

How dare you talk about trust when you've been hiding th

is together. You just have to play your part. I apologize for not telling you my full name, I assumed you knew. I am Adrian Williams,

spond, but I could feel her hesitation softening. Slowly, she tucked h

out that the dini

. Conversation flowed easily among my parents, the Williams, but my focus remained on Isabella. She played her role perfectly, her

eyes fixed on me as if trying to unravel my thoughts. I don't trust Annabella at all, she is a

a quick kiss on her cheek. It was calculated but effect

floor as she stood abruptly. "I've lost my

hed awkwardly, dabbing at his mouth with a

ched across her face. "What's goin

r eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and mischief. I couldn't help bu

on for a moment, and then she muttered just loud

out a

ket, breaking the moment. I answered

her end said, "I

ied curtly, en

sity evident. But she didn't ask, and I didn't offer an

to clear the table and we excused ourselves. I placed a

r bedroom to rest,"

itting together. "Our bedroom? I

om, but sharing a space migh

shaking her head. "I'll think about

d, a display meant for anyone watching. As we ne

can see how you stare at her!" Annabel

angry retort. "One more insult, an

spreading across her lips. "Annabella," she w

decipher her thoughts. Was it joy?

m?" I asked, though I a

t them sort out their mess. She de

ment, I saw a side of Isabella I hadn't expec

. When we arrived, I opened the doo

said, lingering

to face me. "Adria

es

storm. "Whatever you're planning, I hope it's worth it

ds lingered as I clos

my phone buzzed again. It wa

my tone shar

"Adrian, you won't believe who's behind this. B

ne wen

ld chill running down my spine. What

ng. Was she a part of this? Or had I just stepped