Contract Bride: Rising From The Shadows

succession, a strobe light effect that turned the r

lack fabric absorbing the light. On his arm, Sienna was a vision in sheer lace and crystals. She l

Over here!

dress from three seasons ago, the neckline high, her face partially obscured by a decorative

tions had been clear: 'Be seen, but not heard. Stay on the perimeter.' It was a new form

ilm producer, was here.

as her acting resume. It was a desperate move. A humiliating move. But the

," a voice d

anker friends. He was holding a flute of champagne, swaying s

e at home," Charlie laughed. "I bet the little actress is s

" another man sneered. "Maybe

erupted in

neck. She kept her eyes forward,

etached herself from Casper to preen for a photogra

her voice carrying. "She is tech

ing to a senator a fe

walked over to the group, his strides long and purposeful. Sienna bright

here Dosha stood, a flicker of recognition so brief it was almost i

lked righ

arlie. He didn't raise hi

r mouth,"

tered. "Casper, com

re cold, devoid of any human warmth. "She is a legal entity within my portfolio.

of men we

ation in her stomach. He wasn't defending her honor. He w

," Casper

ogize," Char

d dismissively. "Since s

owtie, a rare sign of discomfort, and signaled to his securit

ing. If he went home now,

g the resume, abandoning Zachary. She ran down the

utes to spare. She had just scrubbed the makeup

ht the smell of the city an

lway. She hadn't had time to

pt over her, taking in the f

went

ed against her ribs.

d her. "You walked the dog in a floor-length gown? Since

er shoulder blades hit th

ing over her. He placed a hand on th

, dangerous. "Were you spying on me, D

he cold air, there was the cloying, sweet scent of

olled in

n up. She forced h

ate life, Casper. I only have an

aced the line of her jaw with

whispered. "Best