A Second Chance At The Choosing

Talle

ed to my cheek, a futile attempt to cool the burning sensation, but more so to hide the angry red

ile innocence. She shot me a look over his shoulder, her eyes shimmering with a victory s

ad been replaced by a smug certainty. He' d crossed a line, yes, but in his mind, it was

s, his voice filled with arrogant confidence

ude to our engagement. He belie

once more. His eyes darted nervously between the three of us-me, the silent, bruise

resonating through the now-silent ballroom, "and as a gesture of immense gratitude from our

a choice. To honor the debt owed and to forge a powerful alliance, you m

g over the two brothers. "

ssure, a suffocating blanket. I could feel Connor' s smirk without even

as it. The moment that would change everythin

e Brannon

f a physical blow. A collective, audible gasp swept thro

laced by a slack-jawed disbelief. "What?" he choked out, the word barely a whisper

prise evident. "Miss Talley, please

s gaze. His dark eyes were wide, the cold mask of indifference shatter

my voice ringing with unshakabl

s a trick! She' s mine! She' s always been mine!" He lunged for me, his f

ever rea

speed, his hand clamping down on Connor' s wrist. There was a sickening cra

expression dark and unreadable, until Connor

growl, a promise of violence held barely in check. He l

e gently reached out, his fingers hovering just over the red mark on m

ked, his voice softer t

I replied, and for the first time since my rebirth, I

lt h