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CHAPTER 28

Author: EMILY EVA
last update Last Updated: 2025-06-12 18:13:38

Something flickered across his features,not quite a smile, but a softening of his usual composed expression. "Her wellbeing matters to you," he said simply. "That makes it relevant to our situation."

The statement shouldn't have affected me as it did,acknowledgment that my priorities were factored into his strategic calculations, nothing more significant than that. Yet the consideration it represented contrasted so sharply with my father's oversight that I found myself unexpectedly moved.

"I should go," I said, needing space to process the bewildering developments of the past hour. "You have calls to make, and I have a commission to complete before tomorrow's gallery meeting."

Alexander nodded, accepting this withdrawal without protest. "James will brief you on the enhanced security protocols before you leave for Meadowbrook," he said. "Simple adjustments to your normal routines, nothing that should interfere with your work or movements."

As I turned to leave, his voice stopped me at
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  • BLOOD CONTRACT : WINTER'S VOW   CHAPTER 34

    "My mother loved gardens," I said finally, the memory emerging before I'd consciously selected it. "She grew roses primarily, but also herbs and flowering shrubs. She would spend hours with her hands in the soil, completely absorbed in nurturing growing things. Sometimes she'd forget dinner or appointments because time disappeared when she was in her garden."Isabella's expression softened, her attention focused entirely on me as I continued, memories surfacing that I hadn't accessed in years."My father built her a greenhouse for their anniversary one year. Not the expensive professional kind he could easily have afforded, but one he designed and constructed himself, working weekends for months in secret, learning carpentry skills from books and trial and error. It wasn't perfect, the door never quite aligned, and one section leaked when it rained heavily. But she loved it more than any professional structure could have matched."The memory, my father's hands rough with splinters

  • BLOOD CONTRACT : WINTER'S VOW   CHAPTER 33

    Surprise flickered across her features, followed by something warmer that made my pulse quicken despite my best efforts at control. "Dinner," she repeated, studying me with those perceptive amber eyes. "As in...""As in two people sharing a meal in a pleasant setting," I supplied, unwilling to categorize the invitation more specifically. "Nothing more complicated than that."A small smile played at the corners of her lips, suggesting she saw through this careful neutrality to the significance beneath. "I'd like that," she said simply."Seven o'clock?" I suggested, already calculating security arrangements and necessary schedule adjustments. "The car can take us directly from the underground garage to the restaurant's private entrance.""Seven is perfect," she agreed, that smile growing slightly as she held my gaze. "Should I wear something particular?"The question, innocent on its surface but loaded with implication after last night's teal dress, sent heat coursing through me. "Wha

  • BLOOD CONTRACT : WINTER'S VOW   CHAPTER 32

    ALEXANDERI couldn't focus on the security report in front of me. Not when I kept remembering how Isabella looked in that teal dress, the slit revealing a flash of thigh that had made my mouth go dry."Sir?" James prompted, clearly not for the first time. "Your thoughts on the increased surveillance?"I dragged my attention back to the briefing, aware that my distraction was both unprofessional and potentially dangerous given the escalating security situation. "The pattern suggests coordinated effort rather than isolated incidents," I said, forcing myself to focus on the tactical assessment. "Multiple vehicles, different drivers, but consistent methodology."James nodded, though his expression suggested he'd noticed my momentary lapse. "The timing aligns with our meeting with Rebecca about the files. Someone is clearly monitoring your movements with increasing boldness.""And Isabella's," I added, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "Last night's surveillance specifically targeted

  • BLOOD CONTRACT : WINTER'S VOW   CHAPTER 31

    ISABELLAI couldn't focus on my painting. Not with two security guards posted outside my studio door and the memory of Alexander's touch still burning on my skin.Three days had passed since the car followed us from Rebecca's house. Three days of heightened security, careful movements, and an awareness between Alexander and me that made the air feel electric whenever we were in the same room.Neither of us had mentioned our moment in the foyer, that whispered question about what we were doing, his surprising honesty about not knowing exactly what was happening between us. We'd slipped back into our careful routine of polite distance, though now that distance felt like a lie we were both telling ourselves.I set down my brush with a sigh, wiping paint-stained hands on my smock. The canvas before me showed a storm-tossed sea, dark waves and threatening clouds split by a single shaft of light. I hadn't planned to paint something so turbulent, but my subconscious clearly had other ideas

  • BLOOD CONTRACT : WINTER'S VOW   CHAPTER 30

    The dining room continued the theme of warm elegance, with a table set for three illuminated by the soft glow of candles and a crystal chandelier dimmed to create intimate atmosphere. As Isabella took her seat, the candlelight caught the angles of her face, highlighting cheekbones that could have been carved from marble and casting her amber eyes in gold."This is lovely," she said, glancing around the room with genuine appreciation. "The architecture reminds me of our family home, though your decorating style is considerably more inviting than what my father preferred.""Georgian Revival?" Rebecca asked, displaying the architectural knowledge she'd inherited from our mother.Isabella nodded, visibly relaxing at this neutral topic. "Built in 1885 by my great-grandfather. My father maintained it as a museum piece rather than a home,preservation over comfort at every turn.""A common affliction among Boston's old families," Rebecca observed, taking her seat at the head of the table. "Fr

  • BLOOD CONTRACT : WINTER'S VOW   CHAPTER 29

    ALEXANDER"You're staring again."James's observation pulled me from thoughts I hadn't realized had become so transparent. Across the gallery, Isabella stood in animated conversation with the curator, her hands moving expressively as she discussed the painting being considered for the upcoming exhibition. The midnight blue dress she'd chosen for tonight's event clung to her curves in a way that made concentrating on business nearly impossible, the fabric shifting like liquid against her skin with each subtle movement."Professional interest," I replied, dragging my attention back to the investment reports James had been discussing. "Her successful exhibition reflects positively on the Blackwood name."The skeptical arch of James's eyebrow made it clear he saw through this flimsy justification. "Of course," he agreed dryly. "Purely professional interest in how that dress highlights her,""The European expansion numbers," I interrupted, not needing him to verbalize observations my body

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