A long, polished mahogany table stretched between them, set with fine china and gleaming silverware, a

harp gray eyes watching her as she hesitantly took her seat at the o

ed, swirling the wine in his

f the table. "I didn't realize this wa

s neither a smile nor a smirk. "Everyt

ned her attention to the lavish spread before her-succulent roasted lamb, delicate

day, but the thought of consuming anything in

is voice like a blade cu

orcing herself to take a bite. The food was e

his fingers tapping lightly against his wine

she shot back,

na, but I'm not wasteful. If I wanted you dead, I wou

arp clatter. "No, you just want me humiliated. Caged. T

own his glass with deliberate precision. "Your family deserves worse than this," he sai

nto fists beneath the

But you are their offering. Their sacrif

efused to let him see her falter. "You can dress it u

, his gaze dark and unread

her pulse hammering in her ears. "Some

ting. Then, to her surprise, Adrian let out a quiet

standing from his chair. "Le

and walked away, leaving her alo

he edge of the table as she fough

drian thought she would crumble under