he clung to him, inhaling the familiar scent of his colog

h, scolding herself as she blinked back the tears thre

ced a smile. "Take ca

mix of pride and reluctance. "You too, kidd

a tight nod. "

etween her father and Ryan. It was fleeting, almost imperceptible, but something abo

her father pulled away. The sight of his car disappearing down the driveway lef

ocating. Amelia turned toward Ryan, who stoo

oice cool and detached

elt her stomach knot. He looked at her as though s

er earlier bravery shrinking und

e he turned and started up the staircase. "Come on," h

following, her footsteps echoing soft

broad shoulders and strong frame a testament to the kind of confidence money and power could buy. But there was s

led her down a long hallway lined with artwork.

m," he said, stepping

ed, a writing desk, and a large window that offered a stunning view of the estate. It was more luxurio

d again, her voice b

rame, his arms crossed as he watched her. "We'll set some ground rule

oor click softly as he left, and she let out a sh

rder than she'd thought. There was an undeniable pull between them, a tension that crackled

the bed, staring

didn't ask for? she wondered, her thoughts sw

*****

anced at the clock on the nightstand-it was barely 6 a.m., but she was too restless t

was going to be stuck here, she might

every sound echo a little louder. When she reached the kitchen, she paused for a moment, taking in the sleek, modern design. It was enormou

toast, and coffee. She moved quickly, trying not to make too much noise as she worked

anged them on a tray. One for herself and one for Ryan. She hesitate

st, she told hers

il she reached Ryan's door. She knocked softly and waited, but there

l no

was massive, with a king-sized bed neatly made and a wall of

ly? she wondered, placing

lway-a door slightly ajar, revealing a sliver of another room. Curiosi