, good looks, and the effortless confidence of someone born into wealth. People gravitated

with himself. A man burdened with choices that nev

s life that felt honest, untouched by the weight of

t, he had ruined it. Ruined her. Ryan had never been the kind of

ces pressed against his chest like an iron fist. His gaze followed her as she moved, gripping a cup i

ly what it was. It had been gnawing at his gut for weeks. Damien. He had overheard Sienna

in her eyes. Jealousy. Their father had once again trusted Chloe with something signi

rsing what to say and how to say it. He knew Chloe wouldn't want to hear from him. She despised

her. Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was something more twisted, something he didn't want

l-he had to warn her. He saw it then, the way her shoulders tensed, the way her fing

car key, her steps quickening, as if running from somet

r a moment, neither of them spoke. Her eyes widened slightly before

g here, Ryan? Are

ays made him feel like the ground beneath him wasn't steady. Hi

and one he couldn't afford to

haking her head.

tighten in his che

er keys again,

was lower this tim

r brow. Then finally, she spun to face him, her eyes burning with

and behind the fury in her eyes, he saw something else. Something ra

meet her gaze. "This

laugh. "Then what is

a moment, she didn't move, her hand still hovering over t

Her voice was calm but edged with w

I do." He paused. "Chloe, Damien is powerful. Dangerous. He doesn't make deal

his is just another business negotiation, but it's not. Damien doesn't work like that. He

- those sharp, piercing eyes that had once looked at

"And how exactly d

e, but he couldn't say it. Not yet. "I just do

mourless laugh. "That's

ouldn't be here if

You follow me arou

e, pl

n just to tell

I care, not just about you b

n fury and disbelief. "You don't care about me or anything

ng her car door. "I don't need warnings from you, Ryan." Her voice was

ier to hear. As she slipped into her car and pulled the door shut, Ryan watched

t he had to find a way to make her listen. Because whether she realized it or n