inated the space, covered in a pristine white linen cloth. Silver c

m. A server immediately pulled out th

itate. She sat down smoothly, adjusting her posture. Carlisle m

f moved in a syn

aling a small, sad plate. It contained a handful of dry arugula leaves a

er stomach cramped violently, lett

bypassed the salad and locke

tly baked. It had just been sliced open, revealing a center of flawless, pink, steaming

e, he saw her staring at the meat. He saw her throat bob as sh

salad plate away. The porcelain

e heavy silver

tongs around the thickest, center cut of the Beef Wellington. She lifted it, the ri

spoon and scooped a massive mound of creamy,

. He stared at her plate, his eye

on stammered. "That is...

ugh the pastry and the tender meat. She dragged the piece

involuntary moan of pure pl

ed at Harrison, her cheeks b

mumbled through the food. "I wan

He slapped his hand on the table, making the silverware rattle

ly lowered hi

a drop of sauce from her bottom lip with her thumb. The vain, neurotic woman who

lt his he

piece of the tenderloin, making sure i

the corner of the table, extending her arm, and held

body violen

eyes turned into chips of ice. The air pres

ered. The words w

rs stopped breathing. Harrison froze

ush. She didn't

ed her wrist, brought the fork back to her o

he mumbled, ch

evaporated instantly. Her absolut

wed. His Adam's apple bobbed once. He looked down at his o

ed two massive slices of the Welling

he black tea, Eileen picked up her white napkin.

around his shoulders, giving him a firm hug. "T

ck and turned

vanished. Her eyes hardene

she announced, her voice flat and busi

back into his eyes. "Tonight? The

n said coldly. "If I don't cut it ou

. He saw the absolute

butler. "Ainsworth. Have the Team One secu

air. It carried a heavy, un

he looked at Carlisle, giving hi

g room. Her steps were fast and purposeful, carryin