air as they descended onto the pristine lawn of the

low in her headset. "You look li

cution," Ka

Armond had had delivered that morning.

ond took her hand. His grip was firm, possessive. He pul

d against her ear. "

Estelle. Lucas was holding a champagne flute, his knuckles white as he

lowed a lemon. "How?" she hissed

ence. He walked past him as if he were a pie

took a breath, but it was cut short by a f

shipping heiress. A

on both cheeks, lingering too long. Th

voice carrying over the chatter. "I heard you char

e nearby group of socialites. Kate

ll. He was watch

ry. "Actually, Ms. Duncan, my rates are based on value added. Something y

slits. "Clever girl. Let's see if you're as good

e's attention. A horse had spooked, breaking

owd sc

Armond yanked her behind him, shielding her body with his

nd. Armond's reaction was i

her. He smoothed his jacket, looking annoyed,

os. "Mr. Emerson," he said, stepping into their space. "I hea

rmond interrupte

urned a violen

urge of dark

herself separated from Armond by a throng

ng of alcohol. "I know about the kid in Queens. A little bo

"You stay aw

im, hiding a kid... he'll crush you. Y

. He saw Lucas lean in close to Kate.

is chest. He didn't know what they were s

toward them, his st