ael'

hat name before. It was familiar, but I couldn't place it. "Tell me more ab

t she had freshly showered, her skin was too fresh and delicate to have handled the rough street l

rful man," she whispered, her voice trembling. "He's got his fin

an eyebrow, my interest g

p in her eyes. "I can't tell you,"

, the desperation in her voice. I had no doubt that her father was a dangerous ma

ad bought her, I had saved her from the auction, and now I was the only one who could protect

oice sharp. "Get me the d

om, his face impassive

oice cold. "Every single detail. I want to know what he do

n he returned as I was rounding up with my meals, "I

t. The fork I was hold

thlessness. He was the man who'd brought me to my knees, the man who'

t bought, was his daugh

who..." I trailed off

you, sir," Clement finish

muttered, my eyes locked on t

ous to the storm brewing within me. I had underestimated her, I had seen her as a fragile flower, a victim. But she

aya was still asleep, her breathing soft and even. The scent of her, a mix of jasmine and ra

of doubt. I'd been through this before, the pain of losing someone I loved, the sting of betrayal. I thought I was done with l

up, the screen illuminating Lauren's name. I to

hisper, laced with anger and

I am, Lauren?" I a

me, Michael," she sai

d, my voice hardening. "I'm not

ring my calls," she sa

said. "I'm tired of the lies,

ng about?" she aske

ut," I said. "You want a divorce? Fine

explain anything

Lauren," I said.

ridiculous,"

going to be you and your father's puppet anymore

ing flickering shadows across the room. I looked at Amaya, her face peaceful in s

'd see: Amaya, still asleep, her head resting on the pillow, her long lashes casting a shadow on her cheek

ins wide open. The sun poured into the room, bathing the space in

f green, a place of secrets and whispers. My thoughts drifted to

ep, her hand reaching out, searching for something. I wanted to hold her, to comfort her, but

w what I