BROKEN BY TRUTH

a's

ach of contract," Adrian's gruff voice came t

t, surrounded by half-packed boxes. His statements were a delibera

he room. "I said I'd agree to this arrange

ly, as if the distinction made any difference

I could fight back, leavin

room. This was a mistake-every instinct in my body cried it. But walking away wasn't an op

ly resolve. The sleek black limousine he'd hired to fetch me up stopped in front of the g

me, Mrs. Kan

. Instead, I forced a charming grin and walked inside the

ting. His tailored suit was impeccable as

mumbled, his eyes

answered, moving pas

umorless. "I see you're i

enthouse was as intimidating as ever, all glass and steel, with a breathtak

end a car," I commente

changing your mind," Adria

hink so li

. "I think you're unpredictabl

e heat of his body an unwelcome dist

e chosen someone else for

"Don't confuse this for a game, Lila. You ac

ck. "This isn't just about you, Adrian. I'm risking

or a second, I thought I saw something hum

calmer. "I chose you because I believed yo

rian gave me a file; his tone

ance," he said, motioning for me to sit. "We'll at

hoto of a dress-elegant, expensive

en't you?" I remarked, unable to

chance," Adrian remarked

a say in an

u want it t

ile close, standing abruptly. "You don't get to control my every

eed to protect you, Lila. But I can't accomplish

d, my voice rising. "From the medi

or the first time, I sa

in here?" he questioned,

en't

aw clenched, his hands tightening at his sides as he t

keep you safe," he added last, his vo

half-truths and imprecise threats, Adrian. If I'm going to

, I believed he might truly tell me. But then

red, moving away. "You're

Adrian retreated to his study, leaving me alone t

sions, but my mind kept reliving our chat. What was he hiding? A

face, my phone buzzed on the counter. I took it up, an

frozen the blo

he penthouse window

re already in too deep. Wal

pulse hammering in my chest. Someone was watchin

om, finding Adrian standing b

em," I remarked,

ing as he noticed the phone i

he read the message. His jaw tightened, and f

he said, his voice

at?

il you're gone," he continued, drawing clo

ssion in his eyes that scared me. Adrian Kane wasn't simply f

I was caught in