filled with a sea of glittering gowns and tailored tuxedos. The air buzzed with forced laughter and the clinking of champagne g

s hand a heavy weight on the small

face, was indeed watching us from across the room. He had been polite but dist

ad the same vaguely sympathetic, slightly pitying look in their eyes. I was the charity case, the t

n a blood-red dress that clung to her every curve. She laughed, a bright, musical sound th

t," he said abruptly. "Try to stay out of trouble." He wal

h with a kiss on the cheek, his hand lingering on her arm for a moment too long. They laughed together, their heads

of Mark's old friends approached me. He was

ng me up and down. "The one he did

I asked, my

told us all about it. How he had to... clear the way. For Sarah. You and your family were in the way. But

from overheard whispers. It was another thing to have it confirmed, so crudely, so casual

stumbling through the crowd, needing to get away. I didn't kno

cold night air was a welcome shock to my system. I leaned against the

ou alr

David Miller, another of Mark's friends. But David was different. He was always quiet, observant, with kind eyes that s

lied, quickly

oking out at the city. "It's a lot to take i

trusting mys

d, choosing his words carefully.

ize that," I said, my

asn't an awkward silence. It was comfortabl

houldn't listen to anything he says." His tone was gentle, but his eyes were full o

the terrace opened. It was Mark. Hi

grabbing my arm. "What are y

ng," I said, trying

is voice low and menacing. He shot a venomous l

was upset, Mark. I was jus

tightened his grip on my arm and dragged me ba

nse. The moment we were inside

mming the door behind us. "Letting David get his h

my own anger finally breaking free. "You left me s

oared. "Your business is to be my wife

ainst it on either side of my head. His face was c

spered, his voice a venomous car

ickly as it had come, the rage subsided. He straightened up, smoo

flat and emotionless. "I don't

floor, my body trembling. The confirmation of his crime, the

. I was fighting for my life. And I was no longer alone. David had seen the truth. His kind eyes, his quiet support-i