ttention. As I followed the maître d' into the dimly lit restaurant, past tables where Chicago'

ever I was at the time. It felt like the universe was working against me since Isabella's hand

my clutch and muttered, "I'm calling ev

s the gentle lighting from the restaurant created shadows under his cheekbones. His jacket was off, and his immacula

weetheart neckline of the dress as they moved down

he cool leather cushion touched my bare shoulders as

his eyes off of me. "Get right to the point. I enjoy that. Dark as blood, the wine splattered i

Wh

asses and the poisoned wife. Would a ju

least once, and he had a little scar running down his jaw. I noticed shadows on h

ually said. "I

Or because you though

nce. Because she had a history of sadness, he thought he could g

ck brushed my fingers as he pushed a folder across the table. "Spea

ation, and spreadsheets. Like armies of ants, red numerals march

y that." Of course, not directly. He was cautious and drew from a variety o

e became sour. "Not p

made an effort to preserve her dream after she passed away. But men act foolishly when they are grieving. simi

g tight and hot closed. "W

od and a deeper, more sinister scent surrounded me in hi

our laugh. "I study

y as it caressed the rim of his wine glass

understanding wa

t made my

wrist as I began to stand. My body was electrified by h

. Ple

over my pulse point and the warmth of his skin on mine. Reminding

wife. Your father's debt vanishes in exchange. He maintains his life, his restaurant, and his kneecaps. and at the end of the year." He gave his wide sh

hy

d above everything..." He fixed his gaze on mine. "You recognize patterns. You are skilled at playing a part and crafting an engaging narrative. Elena

if I r

twenty-four hours later. terrible mishap. Slipped on the ice after drinking too much.

like stars, through the window behind Marcus. My mother had always told m

ee him first," "Prior to responding.

hair off my face as he reached across the table. "A courageous young lady. Making an effort

hed across his skin. "A wife who can play both sides is what you're loo

king out his phone, he typed something with one hand. I held onto his other wrist, and neither of us acknowledg

I was, I let him go an

its heat burning through silk. A sleek black Bentley

as transformed from a businessman into something darker by the shadows cast by

when we came to

urant wasn't acces

ng anywhere w

effort to speak ste

as a knife. "First, we're going to meet my mom. The prospect

error when the automobile

aining was only