Taylo

istants. The incident in the study was never spoken of again. Avery Adkins, true to Adam's word, had gone silent. Her number was disconnected, her s

a fool'

reviewing quarterly reports when a shadow fell over my table. I l

ne expression that didn't rea

arby table, started to rise. I gave them a s

ed to a black town car parked across the street, its tinted windows hiding its

f my coffee, my eye

ach in a gesture of mock grief. "But it just made Adam feel more protective of me

l whisper. "So in a way, I should thank you. Your little

s. She wore her confidence like a new piece of jewelry, a certain glow about her that sp

widened into a

her voice dripping with venomous

t words echoing in my ears. She saw the flicker of pa

pity. "All those years with him, and you have nothing to show fo

up grew hot under my finge

ive Adam all the sons he desires. I'l

er with a deliberate, sharp clic

ffee onto herself. She yelped, a high-pitched cry that was more surprise than pain,

heir faces impassive. They had s

refully constructed composure sh

't touch her. They didn't have to. Their presence was a wall sh

for this!" she shrieked

pped a perfectly manicured nail on the table, the

ed, my voice cutting through her hysterics. She stopped her retre

elped build?" I continued, a small, humorless smile touching my lips. "My dear,

y, my voice dropping to

. It was paid for with loyalty, strategy, an

owed by the city noise. I picked up my cup, signalin