Ashes of love:betrayed by love, disowned by family

a's

rror. The fabric still smelled faintly of his cologne. Expensive, subtle, commanding. I looked s

back into a world that

ed, watching me with an unreadable expr

heir today. Dark jeans, tailored coat, and an edge

?" he

ushing my hands. "B

down in

for the day. All he had told me was that

., but I was beginning to learn

we pulled up to was one I recognized: Carradine House, home to the city's mos

ople go to sell d

ple go to be bought. You're not sell

eant to hear t

with a bent lip, and gave a sign. H

nted with privilege. Ronan moved like he belonged. The receptionist nodd

te elevator to

us as the doors opened. She wore stilettos that coul

a knowing smile. "I t

le with equal cooln

hing a smile. "And thi

Ronan didn'

. "I'm Celeste Maren. I fund rebell

hand. "Al

"Elston? Looking surprise

stood straight

ned sharper. "Then

e entire city. I tried not to be overwhelmed, but everything abo

e. "So. Show me why Ronan's willing

a USB from my pocket. I hande

r brow, plugged i

ment prototypes, everything I had built over year

ended, Celeste looked

ut fire alone doesn't survive i

hy he had so much confidence in

One showing. Quiet, exclusive. Invite only. If she crashes, n

though it had been hi

leste replied. "D

ilding, I felt th

I whispered.

n said. "You don't need

ldings' latest charity gala. Damon stood next to his father, smiling for the cam

my bloo

gaze. "You want

hesitat

re fire. "Then w

the penthouse studio Ronan h

ing inside me

not pain,