Empire of Thorne

raine's direction. Everything had to be perfect, the silverware polished, the lighting warm but regal, the me

smash a role. She was goin

or maid. The woman was striking. She wore a clingy rust-colored dress that hinted at more than elegance. Her walk was confident, practiced. Ev

's lips

ly, "I need a full digital scrub. Her name is Rachel Mendez. Former escort, high-end discreet clients. I wan

of God in anyone

pa

mily name dragged through tabloid sewage because my br

ion. At least with Lola her mother Camille had b

the fireplace like a man without care, f

u think?" She pa

itted. "But is she going to be just another tabloi

She's different. She calls me out on my bullshi

row. "So she's sma

early. After the baby

ng as she leaned against the oak-panel

e d

ed her. "And

mille aren't a threat to her. They are a part

Rachel than Derek realized. Maybe this one had more bite

you or should I send word f

I want to be involved

robably loves you more than she does me

tile amnesia and all your shortcomings will be

ot

nversation, the butler appeared,

ing slightly, "Miss Lola an

"Thank you. Let'

the massive oak doors creaked open again. A gu

ake it in time

urned at

cha

nd that annoyingly perfect grin. He looked fresh from a GQ cover-clas

lled acros

oming," she said, a bit b

to surpr

I'm sur

her cheek. The scent of his cologne cedar and mint was f

" she asked, co

e business arm's stable now

ons." She smi

. After that, we'll talk." He asked a cha

ware of the spectacle she was walking into. Lola was quiet, her eyes trailing between her parents with a caution that made Lor

rom her chair before her mother could stop her. She l

places a kiss on her foreh

table, Lola settled next to

ng was i

ning doors o

head t

alked Na

r expression, he strode in like he belo

ze mid-air. Her en

sked, the question barely a whisper, yet

e her a ti

he said. "Didn't

r thoughts raced. She hadn't seen him since t

e had c

xt move mu

directing