AR

before us, even more magnificent than I remembered. It had been years since I'd last v

glass windows that sparkled under the moonlight. It screamed wea

urtly, already stepping away. His tone was cold,

ng, I grabbed his hand and pulled him into a hug from behind. His e

ng?" he whispered

g me here," I whispered b

e me, his eyes dark with something I co

," he said, his voic

ding to be innocent. "Is it because you

hed. "Go to y

er, the maid appeared at my s

ay, his shoulders stiff, his hands balled into fists. He was trying to act una

verything felt so overwhelming. My dad was in jail, my house was gone, and now I

tay strong, had to figure out a way to take control of my life again. But no matter how h

is hands on my skin,

I was on my feet, heading toward his room. I did

en. Zayden was sitting on the edge of the bed, shirtless, his head i

you doing here?" he

eep," I said,

my problem,"

my voice trembling. "I mi

hought he was going to pull me into his arms.

e said, his voice cold.

pounding. "I know you feel some

tt," he said,

p of my dress off my shoulder, letting it fall sli

moment, I saw the struggle in his expression. But

rowled. "Go back

grabbed me by the shoulders and pushe

" he growled. "Go

opened the door and nudged me outside, his eyes blazing with

en, p

he said, and then he sh

[4/1/202

my heart pounding in my chest. I wanted to scream, to pound

he door, my voice trembling with ang

rder, tears stinging my eyes. "You

, not

I let out a shaky breath. He wasn't going to

. And most of all, I hated that no matter ho

behind me, and as soon as I was alone, the tears came. I felt like

bbing quietly, until exhaus

my head throbbed dully. I dragged myself out of bed and stu

rror, barely recognizing the girl s

and ran it through my tangled

n I heard voices coming from the living

lett. Goo

nning cold at the sight of t

nc

smug, predatory smile tha

e?" I asked, my voice s

eyes gleaming with amusement. "Did