aced beneath her skin, a mix of anticipation and recklessness taking hold of her. She had never done anything like this before-never app

features illuminated under the soft, golden glow of the elevator lights. His scent-something dark and into

-guess herself, he led her into the suite, the d

rned to her, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. He didn't rush, didn't pounce-he simply s

e asked, his voic

sure? No. But she was tired of being careful, tire

she bre

ed, and in the next instant, he

and Antonella's breath hitched. He was slow, deliberate, as

't gentle, but he wasn't rough either-he kissed her like he was claiming her,

his skin beneath her fingertips. Jason responded by gripping her waist, pulling her f

ter that-hands, lips

life, Antonella

just f

the hotel suite in a soft glow. The air was thick with the remnants of

ut it wasn't the alcohol that made her feel ligh

ly, her breath catching

s still

uarded. In sleep, the cold, calculating look he wore ha

's heart

d to l

supposed to m

Her clothes were scattered across the floor, a reminder of what had transpired

brac

e only thing she had left of her mother-the delicate sil

ed. She couldn't risk waking him up, cou

self to leave, telling herself

she slipped out of the room,

gh the front door of her family's

s cold, hostile-j

y up the stairs when a sharp

ally decided

living room. His salt-and-pepper hair was slicked back, his expression hard with disapproval. He w

s," she said, keepi

led dress, the faint traces of last night still linger

at you humiliated yourself at that engagemen

s clenched at her

f disgrace you're bringing to this family? First, your fiancé leaves you for your stepsister, and

her palms. "Drake w

ppointment. But no, even with all the resources I gave you, you

r voice trembling with anger.

. "Your mother would be asha

ere a slap

ain clawed at her chest. She had spent years trying to be the daughter he wanted, tryi

ly, her voice steel beneath the

row furrow

arity. "You've spent years making me feel like I don't belong, like I'm not worthy of an

into a thin line. "You

eep breath. "I'm done letting you and Amira walk all over me. If you want

between them, heav

You think you can just wal

his gaze head-

ed and walked away,

s, she felt like she had t

ea that this was