as set with twelve candelabras, though there were only two place set

in front of her-some kind of co

e head of the t

er will be dining in his study ton

he empty chair. "

e house pressing against her ears.

study?" she

. But Mr. Hunter gave

g up. "I don't follow instructions

Godfrey said, thoug

nd the double oak doors at the end of the hall. She didn't knock. She was tired of the game

ed the d

, we ne

fr

avily against the heavy oak desk, his knuckles white as he supported his weight.

way. He gripped the desk tighter to steady himse

snarled, though his voice lacked

es, but he looked like a strong wind would k

n't hu

"The deal involves appearances. Eating dinner alone o

said. He took a sip of whiskey. "Just you

landed li

"Because I remind yo

d. "Greed. Desperation. You're a gold digger, Elsie. Let

I had no choice,

rawer and pulled out a checkbook. "How much? How much to le

him. "I don't

"That's all you want. You want the payout. You w

easured, as if he were calculating the energy cost of each one. He s

t," he w

ve w

dropped to her chest, then back to her face

ned. "What are y

d pressed harder. "He said you were a prude. Maybe that's why he cheated.

d her to run away, to keep her distance, because every time she got close, his hea

he shame washed over her, hot and st

She saw the challenge in his eyes. He

o

chin. A cold smil

ked softly. "Is that it? You're t

es narrowed

e money?" Elsie reached for the

the firs

d. He hadn't expected

er collarbone was exposed, pal

ing closer. She was invading his space no

for the th

were blown wide, swallowing the gold irises. The air in the room grew thick,

more. She was furious

ng on the fabric. "Are you going to stop me