g was no

eanor was more... strained. There was something going on that she wasn't aware

ce door. It had been closed for hours, and his men were going in and out. She wanted to know what was g

he men walked out, towering and wide, his expression ha

said, his

d slightl

coming w

a beat. "Where?

irs. Do not ask questions

the corridor, her heels clicking loudly on the glossy floor. As they approa

xpression unclear. "Just sta

came out of the office. His stance was stiff,

e called out

dark and calculating. "Get

ped into the rear seat as directed, her hands quivering slightly. Damien sat

he park. Ashley could feel the tension rolling off Damien in w

She asked gently, al

't respond immediately. Instead, he sat back in hi

clenched. "

. "There has been a move. A

ch sank. "What

his voice low and chilly. "So

lerated. She knew the repercussions. If they were trying to take him

o me at all times. You may also have to move in with me for p

g. She could not even argue. It was life or death. And she

nervously. The streets looked the same, but they felt differe

nd he answered instant

kened and his grasp on the phone tig

knew not to ask, but her worry was gettin

to her, this time kinder. "Do

ands grasping the seat as the SUV spun with squealing tires. The driver ye

ey exclaimed, her hear

!" he yelled, shoving her down to th

d hear gunshots, glass cracking, and me

barked commands at the drive

back seat, breathing in

minute and then found themselves in t

meanor stern and determined. He was entirely in con

yelled, speeding as the

is rifle in hand as his gaze scanned the streets. "

ck, her body shaking. She'd never been so close to violence or death. It was horrifying, but she

slowed down and pulled into a mansion. She wasn't i

softening slightly as he stretched ou

ng as she agreed, her words bar

u are safe here. They won't

but dread still gripped h

ed simply. "They thought th

they don't care that a

"You are with me, Ashley.

Damien would be dangerous, but she didn't expect t

uld be like this," she sai

ed out to stroke a strand of hair behind her

mind was screaming. She knew, but she

lowly, his voice uncharacteristically kind. "But it's to

ting against her chest. She was afraid

g on her thigh. "I will always pr

ushed over her flesh, causing a chill

g gaze fastened on her

sn't sure how to feel. All she knew wa

mind racing. She had