Until Love Breaks Through

d her with a force that rattled the frames on the wa

love him, and I can't imagine spen

iving room, her words trailing like sparks. "You and Dad made this deal

s if she were stalking prey. "You're moving into their mansion next week to start t

every bit as striking as the fiery temper she was unleashing; her curvaceous figure turned heads wh

you?" Her voice cracked, raw and desperate. "I

, his shoulders hunched under the weight of years spent bending to his wife's will

ing nervously at his wife. "It's f

twisting her features. "For t

rely above a whisper, as though the words were a s

er jaw, her resolve solidifying. Now, it w

e floor, but its brilliance did nothing to brighten the storm cloud etched across her face. Her gaze flitted to the heavy velvet drapes framing the windows as if calculating an escape route,

, Eva, perched on the edge of a loveseat, her sketchpad balanced on her knee as she reviewed the preliminary designs for Laura's wedding dress. J

m but curious, unaware of the figure lingering just beyond the doorway

her tone brisk. "The agency promised to call me as

ax entered, his energy filling the space, and John and Eva instinctively exchanged g

he sudden shift in their demeanor hadn't escaped him. Hi

is tone light but practiced. Eva nodded in

aned in closer, her pulse quickening with each hushed word. Unnoticed by any of

ly. "I've been boasting about your craftsmanship to my bride. She

his curiosity piqued.

ing. "You're going to take my brid

he air, sharp but playful. "Max!" she exclaimed, her

artisan, nodded with quiet confidence. "If that's the challenge

th a quick wave. "Bring my bride," he instr

alized she couldn't risk being seen-not now, not here. With her heart pounding in her chest, she slipped ou

tall figure with a black cloth tied securely over his eyes, his expression calm bu

triking, even under the dim light-a strong jawline, soft waves of dark hair, and a de

deliberate. "May I?" he asked, his voice low and smooth, sending a shiver thr

curve of her neck-felt like a spark igniting something deep within her. She tried to steady her breathing, but the feelin

he worked. She caught herself thinking how unfair it was that someone so effortlessly captivati

ight? she wondered, biting he