Torn Between Us

ing down on her like the thick velvet curtains draping the tall arched windows. It wasn't just a house. It was a kingdo

case, barely scuffed from the cab ride, suddenly felt like a mark of her lower place, her ou

world. But she

long hall. But Amelia didn't move. She stood at the entrance like a statue, taking in the doubl

n they

he first

from his fingers. His shirt was unbuttoned just enough to show a hint of the ink cra

d out, his voice rough like gravel, t

PR images-but nothing prepared her for the real Leo Hawthorne. He was beautiful

from behind him. "You'll scare her

wns a room by stepping into it. Blonde, polished, everything in perfect place-his cufflinks, his hai

ed, reaching the marble fl

in her spine screamed not to tr

ered as he descended behind Julia

said, warnin

fusing to be intimidated

upward, just sli

k. Victoria Hawthorne, the matriarch. Not her mother-in-law. Not yet. Just her future employer

aid, crossing the floor with steps so smooth they b

smile. "Thank yo

you," Victoria repli

at followed wa

imply handed a role because they're charming o

ow. "A pleasure a

acknowledge the sarcasm. Her eyes remai

g. I trust you'll be discreet. Thi

er. "I'll have someone

her," Leo i

expression barely flickered, but A

been d

. Don't worry, I

aid, then turned to Jul

d scandals, the rivalry between the sons. But nothing could have prepared her for the way

she glanced back. Leo was still w

't let him get into your hea

eply. Because L

ows, casting the room in shadows even though it was still mid-afternoon. A king-sized bed

too much," s

, his hand brushing against th

, Amelia saw through the polished veneer. There was s

t I expected,"

ou expect?"

smile. "Someone

s breat

ed. "Dinner's at eight. Don't be late. Mother

at, he left

Amelia sat between Julian and Victoria at the long dining table, while Leo slo

ily, her education, her intentions. Every answer Am

ught her in the hall

he said, stepping

't perf

g, intelligent, and oblivious to the fact tha

er arms. "I'm

"No, you're not. You've got

, then asked, "W

mile

e has to burn t

he walk

rounds bathed in moonlight. The Hawthorne house looked even more si

hone

h your back. This ho

ed at th

d buzz

not what

own the hallway

he realized. But it was

her, something stirre

ome here to

me to

ver the

nge th

choose between tw