Shattered Vows, Hidden Flames

snapped open, her heart pounding before she realized where she was. The unfamiliar

o longer h

's estate. And today w

acks, her hair tied neatly back. No makeup, no jewelry. She

James already there, setting a tray with a silver

. Two sugars. No cream," h

ugh the silent hallways, her palms slick with nerves. When she

the clipped vo

ed the d

ly toward the large window behind him. Sunlight bathed half his face, cas

setting the tray down on a

looked at

he said, glancing at the sle

ssumed early was

n't a com

ogether but didn't respo

ai

used m

desk. "You'll confirm appointments, call off anything unnecessary, and remind

g it. Several meetings, one press call, and a note sc

thin folder labeled Voss Te

ask. She

g else,

u have to. Don't hover

nd unflinching. "You hired

lifted-j

bold on your first

e tougher than they are," she sa

hift, but his gaze lingered a little longer this

d finally, turning

but fire. There was something about the man that sparked defiance in her

d no plans

-

e day passed i

clipped instructions. But Amira noticed the small things-how his hand tightened on the armrest when he was in pain, how he

to feel. But he

his office with a cup of tea a

ask for te

d five calls back-to-back and haven't moved.

t her for a

been wat

he corrected.

a slow, unreadable expr

u wouldn't las

Then I guess I'll just

-

ndow with a notebook in hand. She jotted down the day's observations-Damien's

out under

He was bleeding-quiet

was

, they were both stil

at her final n

etends to be. And I'm not a

bring more ru

he had survive

in itself,