n Bart

oming

wfound strength. I ended the call, my thumb moving with a decisiveness I hadn't felt in years. My gaze swept over Edwin's a

Sea, a path cleared from the grand entrance of the ballroom. A pres

rried pace. He moved as if he owned the space, as if every person in it was merely a part of the s

aura. This was a man accustomed to command, to having rooms fall silent

wning horror on his face. This wasn't some random man; this was Everett Rowe, the te

fusion flooded Edwin's expressi

e else. His world, in that moment, had narrowed to me. He raised a hand, hi

mth of his fingers. It was a simple, tender gesture that fe

n its warmth. The fine wool was heavy, a comforting weight that shielded me from the prying eyes and the chill

t safe. I felt seen. It was a warmt

to. His eyes asked the question

l, almost imp

tive weight. He turned me, and together, we began to

of his stupor. "Stop! Kait

his eyes cold and sharp as chips of ice. The look was filled with such prof

d scorn directed at me were gone, replaced by awe and

Everett Rowe of R

oing with Kai

rown picked a fight

sure crumbling. Everett Rowe was a variable she could never hav

but impenetrable barrier between us and the swarming reporters. I was tucked a

knew what it felt like

ck Bentley was waiting at the curb, the engine purring soft

warm and silent. Everett handed me a bottle of water without a word. Then

m and gentle, a stark contrast to

repared for you. You