expression a mask of practiced indifference. "Tell

logize, Mr. White, but Ms. Marsh is currently engaged in importa

d a sharp edge of displeasure. "Have

like ice, brook

s Samira's features. "Ms. M

her assistant's concerned gaze. "Prepare

wood of the top-floor office door, Tracy's h

ectric silence filled the spa

practically glided forward, her

d her hand

e attempted contact, her mov

ing glossy with tears as she turned to Br

of closeness, Rachel cut to the chase. "Mr.

s of torture, the swelling ankle tr

ursing up her leg, making every moment

to waste on Tr

rstandings personally," Brian explained, his

inter's chill. "That won't be necessa

intended any harm. I know about your relationship with Brian. I shouldn't have allowed him to comfort me or sough

ry trembling word, each glistenin

at typically wrapped men arou

saw through

isplays are wasted here. And if you truly respect my relationship with Brian, main

ructed mask cracked, re

Brian had backfired spectacularly. She'd expected

simply un

ian, I've only made things worse. My attempts at reconcili

lly, dabbing at fresh tear

every movement desig

ce gentle as summer rain. "Here, dr

voice quavered with car

ever blamed you in all o

ed with unmistakable tenderness and affection,

tching this scene unfold exactly as she

g herself for this moment, the reality s

fectly, making Rachel feel like an outsider

o the crushing pressure building in her chest, an invisi

ith sweetness as she dabbed her eyes, tuggin

d, turning to address Rachel

ce earlier stemmed purely from fear, nothing more. You've alwa

g? The word

ctic frost. "You seem quite confident in reading my

d Brian's features, surpr

d clearly caugh

ive her? Simple enough. She needs only to vanish from our

he clung to Brian's sleeve, th

ing Rachel with a disapproving stare. "M

'll take my leave," Rachel r

ed forward, grasping her arm. "Plea

dismissed, but Tracy pers

m immune to your damsel-in-distress routine.

yet Tracy proved r

n. Let me fetch you some coffee first," she o

rink, the cup mysteriously tilted. Sc

rang out first, though Rachel

enched her wrist, while Tr

achel's flesh, tears

sh to examine Tracy's hand deflat

would it serve? His concern clearly lay elsewh

she announced

ian called