low

lute. It was heavier than the music, louder than

the ex

g curses, wild whoops, and the sharp, piercing whi

ith shock, but the shock was quickly replaced by

an off their faces. Whatever childish crush they'd nursed on me vanished the moment they

ld had narrow

k 'Prez'

, deliberately,

y, lawless hall fell silent at a single gestur

cking the light. The pressure of his presence wa

as a frantic drum against my ribs. This wa

were like a hawk's, sharp and piercing, as if he could see rig

oice was a low rumble, like gravel scraping o

gaze. "Colby's betrayal left the Serpents' honor in the mud wi

ched. He was surpri

up, his voice booming. "This is against the

answer for his fool of

s voice cut through the tension. It w

ure regal. "Harlow is right. This is a disg

s time someone cleaned up this mess. Besides,

rectly. More than anyone, this mother wanted he

rom his mother back to me,

had to give him a rea

e over the hum of the speakers. "The whispers say the Presi

htening in his jaw. The pr

. I don't need a husband. I need a title. A sanctuary. A positio

sident. An Old Lady who asks for n

mble on his character, betting he would value m

ng, silent moment. So lo

o shatter, the corner of his mou

he silent, waiting crowd. His voice, when it ca

e said.

e air, then repeated them,

r is my woman. The Old Lad