Till money do us apart

gretted everything, or was there something else lurking beneath the surface of his terse message? She pressed a han

ime for doubt now. If Damon wanted a conversation, she'd give it to him. But she needed to be pre

stament to Damon's success-modern, sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Manhattan. The receptionist glanced

cting you,

drum in her chest, a mix of nerves and anticipation coiling in her stomach. She knew Damon had power here, but she also

at bold entrance. He was standing by the window, looking out over the city, his silhouette cut sharp agains

e window. His voice was cool, controlled, but t

pping further into the room. She kept her tone light, but her gaze was fix

sn't the calm, unreadable mask he usually wore. There was something raw

eaned against it, arms crossed over his chest, watching her with a

ted. She took a seat across from him, crossing her le

long moment, he just looked at her, his eyes flicking over her face as if he we

you doin

ation, maybe, or a demand for explanations. But not this. She frow

lt a flicker of real fear. Not because she thought he would hurt her-no, she knew better than that-but because of the intens

h whisper. "This game you're playing, with me, with Peter

rper than she'd given him credit for. But she couldn't back down now. She'd played this role fo

"Isn't it obvious? I want what every woman wants. A happily ever after with the man of her dre

tep closer, his knee brushing against hers. "You'r

him. The nearness of him sent a shiver down her spine, but she r

t, pulling her close. "Both," he growled, his lips a breath away

wanted her, that this was more than just a fleeting attraction. It was like everything sh

started, but

You don't get to hide behind that mask anymore. I

whispered, her voice tr

, his thumb brushing against the inside of her wrist. "Because

ve, and it was making her feel exposed in a way she hadn't felt in years. "You don't k

"Then tell me," he said, almost plea

rist out of his grasp. "I can't," she

eaking with something like despe

ting myself," she said bitterly. "And

r her again. But then he stepped back, turning away, his hands clenched into

mitted, her voice bare

een them filled with all the things they couldn't say. Then, without

said flatly. "W

and leave. As she stepped out of the office and closed the door b

was only the beginning of something far m