e: Enemies

ing in her room, replaying her conversat

something to pro

ld pick apart her thoughts, as if

elf-that she wasn't weak, that Jason's betrayal hadn't broken her, that she coul

her chest, but she wouldn't let it show. Sh

at the door ma

a neatly tied bun and a black uniform-stoo

s your presence for

t a second thought earlier, and now he expected her

ulders back. Fine.

r

a portrait of wealth

e silverware and crystal glasses. A massive chandelier hung overhead, casti

readable as ever. Margaret was to his right, sipping from

d the stem of her wine glass between her f

seat, keeping

nquet than a family dinner-roast lamb, truffle mashed potato

s exc

sip of her wine. "So, dea

fe and fork. "Still le

t quite reach her eyes. "It must be such a change.

on her for

"That's one w

remain calm. She had expected hostility, but this was a f

ally slicing into his lamb, as if

of test?" she asked

glance up. "Wha

et and Elena. "Your family. Trying t

"You misunderstand. We're

d I'm sure you welcome all your new family membe

r eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh,

ybe you should. It might

f a second. Then, to Gold's surprise

impassive. "That's enough,

. "She's got some bite," she mused. "Are

didn'

think your brother scar

n darkened. "Watc

evenly. "Or what?

ong, dramatic sigh.

"I'd say dinner was lov

er as she pushed bac

brow. "You're ex

he table and smiled. "I

another word,

n't loo

a silk robe and poured herself a gla

stility. She could handle M

Da

there. Watchin

the massive window

i

ed a game,

she'

he door made

. But when she opened the door, Daniel stood ther

"Come to see if I'm c

epping inside. "Y

ow. "Glad you en

a long moment. "Ele

dry laugh. "Cou

. And blunt. But

her head. "A

ardened slightly. "Sh

refully. "Why did y

in a softer voice, "To

bli

was un

lowed. "

ng something in his mind. Then, with

ep out, Gold found her

nie

d, glanc

arching his face. "Y

after a beat, he said,

n he wa

the closed door, something

n h

is whol

kind of marriage she

s certain-she wa