the smell of c

n silk sheets, the air too quiet, the pillow too soft. Th

wedd

heer curtains. A silver tray sat on the dresser, untouched.

member asking

hether it was sweet or si

, tugging the robe ti

s and a silk blouse that made her look like she ran both a fashion

at like it'

rything is optional

er eyes. "That

rdered breakfast for you. From his private chef. Don't w

her a wit

is in an hour. Then hair, makeup, and a very small, v

oze. "No

he was throwing

know. There'd be someone t

ove story, darling. This is business.

ng Amira would never choose. Off-shoulder, fitted bodice, a cascade of tulle that b

sn't her. She was a ghost of h

range?" Lissa said from the corne

ha

t woman he's eve

n eyebrow. "Yo

ost women don't

ky t

e softened. "Or maybe

ed Amira more tha

rs, Elia

Just open collar and sharp control. A few people milled about-s

blue eyes. She stood near the fireplace, a

aze. "My mother. Vi

cou

clicking like gunshots on ma

ride. Not w

Elias said. "Th

over, unimpressed. "

ghtened. "Nice t

he air. But Victoria only smiled, sipping her wine. "I do hope you

he turned an

led. "She'

lias corrected. "But

ur strategy

epping closer. "J

ed under his stare

ned. "I haven'

short. Brutal i

Just a

d first.

less and effic

d on paper. Ami

't feel

elt o

ining room-a space meant for twenty, but se

out asking. "You didn't ru

d. "But I'd rather stab yo

of his mouth. "You have

know anythi

ough to sell your freedom. That t

om me, Elias? A good wife? A quiet doll? Someone

g moment. "No. I don't nee

g between the

mean?" she asked

his wine, "you're not here to lo

m wh

dn't

stood by her window ag

r watching. He felt like a shadow in

t this was. A marri

oing to wait to

apon-he'd better

-