Betrayed By Her Seven Protectors

RA

the vibration through the floorboards. I didn't have to guess wh

dn't

g, a skill I knew he possessed but had nev

d. He walked over to the stereo and shut it

I said, my voice dripping with

" he said, ignori

everything I needed t

lara. My life... before your father... it was just me and her. In that orphanage, yo

tragic past, a noble protector. But

d her," I said f

s voice low and intense. "And I will spend my life repaying him

low echo of a promis

ed, already kno

aw tight. "But she

arnished truth. I was an obli

ps. "Marry me, the dutiful prize, while you keep your real love tucked away on the si

some grand consolation prize. "You will be Mrs. Cole,

g over me. He was offering me a title, a position, a

ownstairs. "Sterling! Can you help me?

ah. Of

erything snapped away from me and towards her voice. He looked

to go,"

ocket and pulled out a small, velvet box, placing it on my dresser

ng the door so

de was a delicate diamond necklace. It was beautiful.

payment on a promise he h

ming-of-age celebration, the night my father would unofficially announce

to find the most breathtaking necklace I had ever seen. A single, flawless sapphire the color of a deep o

ay, Clara. Wear this and remember you deserve

ton's magnificent sapphire in the other. There was no compari

e when Savannah appeared at the bottom, blocking my path. Her

sted with raw, ugly jealousy. "Where did you get

st her wit

hissed at my back. "No matter what

but didn't

?" she said, her voice turning venomous. I heard

e phone in fr

ping. The camera panned to Savannah, nestled beside him, wearing one of his shir

Wade, Owen... all of them. They tell me they love you, Clara. But at night, they