Ashes Of Affection

breath, eyes fixed on the gleaming monolith of glas

that no longer belonged to her, its sharp lines catching dawnlight like a weapon. She stood

rble as she marched across the lobby, and this time, she didn't flinch under the glances of security or staff.

e receptionist said without lifting

o

n again chin high, shoulders squared, jaw set. Her hair was pulled back, lips bare. She didn't lo

the executive floor, she

ett Callahan's offi

to the elbow, no jacket, the top button of his shirt undone. He looke

e you so soon," he s

beg," she replie

e landed on the

e with

first time. There was something new in her eyes no longer desperation. It was defiance. Cont

thumbed through the pages.

conditions

access to my own accounts. I want veto power over public appearances. I choose what I wear.

this is a n

agreement is binding without mutual benefit. You

lder slowly. "Yo

ping closer. "I've s

ssed. The

folder rest fl

nds are...

And subject to revis

"You surprise me

e said. "I

o something more volatile. Not attraction. Not yet.

in?" he asked, voi

esitate. "As soon

, faceless behind thin glasses. The document lay open on the table, her name typed in

over the lin

r, arms folded. He wasn't watching

nah s

didn't

the page with a finality that made Savannah's stomach lurch.

d. "You're now the most e

its holder. "Do I get a cus

edding?" she

l wear what I send you. Say what I write. A

it's over?

e, untarnished provided yo

d. She already knew cl

the window, glanc

xploded thro

Then

's eye. The window in the building opposite flickere

growled, stridi

he hiss of metal slici

ching?" she as

" he muttered. "But now i

sk, brushing her fingerti

she said. "Especially w

ed. "We didn't

hat makes

room without

et and champagne and whispers. Stylists swarmed around her like bees to a bloom pinnin

a lie. Soft ivory, lace on her shoulders, a satin bow at the ba

stylist cooed, brushing a s

h didn'

elt h

oor c

cli

walked

Mont

ver her shoulders, heels that made her taller than she al

she said sweetly, her voic

"Did you get lost or j

. "You always did mistake confid

attered like fr

added, circling the room. "I s

to the mirror. "You

mention you in his future until the ink dried. He stil

h didn'

, fingers brushing the

ve anything but legacy. You're a placeholder

d. "Touch me again, and

hed. "Ther

s tired and he will I'll be

eave, pausing a

dress. I wo

hut with a

s and silence. She stared at her reflectio

idn't

dn't s

over her chest, gripping the fa

asn't elega

as a

ion, a new voice rose

et the