phin

ur family saw a man submerged in grief over his father-in-law's death

guest room. As soon as the door clicked shut, he pulled me close, his breath a hot

s hand tangling in my hair.

. I didn't pull away

ing for tonight, Da

h a drunken, heartbreaking sincerity. "For

l, wrapping my arms around myself as a brutal, internal storm broke inside me. I stayed there for what felt like an eternity, riding

on-sensor light on the balcony outside had just winked

saw

r and his obsession, had Isabel

demanded, his voice low and raw. "W

ced with accusation. "Why did you

ed. "It was the only way I could have a legitimate reason to see you again. I flew to

have to see your face on her... I'll take it." His lips twisted into a cold, cruel sneer. "S

stomach, a protective gesture

ce dropping to a conspiratorial whisper that sliced right

ir from my lungs. The gilded cage wasn't jus

la's nervous hiss. "Damian, what if

he casual cruelty of a king who believed his power wa

ragic, knowing thi

ch

night; his obsession was on the balcony. I returned to our bedroom and packed a single bag, my movements silent and precise. O

xt morning, I returned to the city alone and went str

, my phone rang. It was Isabella. She wanted me to j