Trapped In The Billionaire's Gilded Cage

ng for Jordyn, dropped slowly back to his side. His eyes narrowed, flicki

st who occasionally haunted the stock market, moving billions with a wh

ing to carefully respectful. "This is a Shepard famil

btle reminder. Family business was private.

her permission, reaching out and catching the edge of Hoyt's suit jacket. She gripped the

. He didn't look back, but a wave o

ed on Gus. Yes. Learn to rely on me. L

flat, stripped of any inflection. "I believe I sat next to the Senator

do. It established parity. It told Gus that Hoyt David was not some by

peripheral vision. When he spoke again, his voice dropped an octav

at. But they hit Jordyn like a wave of warm water. The sheer certainty in his ton

t to be afraid. They had al

iece Carleigh's closest friend. She wasn't feeling well, a

same calm authority he might use to announce a co

back at Hoyt. He knew he was beat. You didn't m

" Hoyt continued, his gaze unwaverin

ing him exactly where she was. Was this a trick? Was this man simply handing her over in a more civilized way? Her fingers tightened on hi

Gus, his hand moved behind his back. His knuckles brushed against hers, a fleetin

c, and entirely inappropriate for a man she had just met.

he said, giving a stiff nod. "We will withdraw for now. But we will rema

dows. They didn't leave the corridor entirely; they simply retr

kled. The adrenaline that had been holding her to

arm, his grip firm and warm, keeping her upright. He pul

g. "Mr. David, I... I don't know how to t

lushed, desperate face. Thank me later, when you re

ures of Gus and his men, and then to the small, unblin

lower, more serious register. The warmth from a moment ago

t him, her eyes wi

s gaze holding hers. He looked entirely sincere, a ma

her arm and guided her away from the main corridor,

hought. She was a drowning woman,