relentless machine, unbothered by emotional traum

liseo, this was her understated, professional attire. In reality, it

out of the

l wearing the stained shirt. One arm hung

kitchen. Her heels on the marb

his eyes from the morning light streaming through the w

rating the espresso machine, her

ed. His voice was rough

d. She watched the dark

f irritation. He stoo

ing to yo

he took a sip, her eyes scanning him f

he said. Her tone was

blinked

e paused as she passed him, leanin

rfume mixed with expired

ed down at his shirt. The scent of th

reached out and grabbed her upper arm, spinning her around. He

ggressive. His br

his teeth. "I already explained this.

e. She didn't look af

up? I am st

eaction. He wanted her to yell, to hit him, t

o you think you are? Without me, you'd still be in

girl cover story she had so carefully constructed-struck a nerve, but not for the

p. She smoothed the fabric of h

f me, why did your grandfath

tions,' to clean up a family mess, and bringing her to New York under a cove

back. "At least you used to

read of connection snap

d up her

your honesty, M

ed out t

ill the space she left. He slammed his fist against the refri

cuff. The cloying, sweet scent filled his nostri