Velvet chains of winter

orning trying to convince her

to the car of the most pow

er like she was something

ained within the quiet rules Maribe

h refused to

orked felt different. The hum of printers, the low murmur of conversations, the rin

unprotect

ever been

father befo

who turned their ba

woman who now controlled

la

supervisor's voice bro

id quickly, s

lasses. "You've been distracted

all smile. "Yes,

mained doubtful. "Try to stay focused. We're

, ma

ensitive documents. The words made unease coil in her stomach. It was impossible n

tanding near power felt like-un

rated softly

fr

fully, she g

own

art sk

you

hed to h

ed before t

Thank

e came almo

k again today. F

parted in

No demand. Just concern, n

phone away, he

erence room of Blackwood Holdings, surrounded by men who ruled

let across the table. Rowan was sharp-eyed and analytical, Kael's rig

urprised. "She's p

all charm and calculation, his smile rarely reaching his eyes.

ghtened. "She

ce fo

bservant, finally

ael said

ned. "You're involving yourself

toward the floor-to-ceiling windows,

," Rowan said care

ias added. "If

is gaze cold. "Then w

f them

ople who crossed Kael Arden Black

ching her from across the stree

usy wondering why a single message had shifted somet

nd snapped a photo as she

one," he

settled heavily over the house. The lig

living room, a gl

te," she s

ders stiffene

the sofa. "Funny. I saw you

blood

el asked lightly

g by. Thought I saw her gettin

seemed

said n

ass aside. "Elara," she said gently

replied, her voi

el sm

le that promise

r," she said. "G

pounding violently as

osed her door, he

being w

eath c

lone, the next m

et anyone

she sank onto the bed, pre

e, fear and safet

t the foot of the stairs, h

ad found p

would have

.