Nearly everyone I passed gave me a wide berth. It made getting to the library a lot easier. I entered with a soft sight, breathing in the scent of book and the faint sterile scent in the air. The school had installed a bunch of UV air filters to keep the books in peak condition.The library was quie
And I could figure things out on my own… I just needed a little time.Philip had ensured that every easily opened door was slammed in my face. Then, I needed to look for other doors he couldn't influence, or were just too obscure for him to think about.I looked at the screen for a long time, turnin
I tightened my coat around myself as I stepped onto the pavement, the city air crisp against my skin. I spotted Dominic just as he exited the towering glass building, his expression unreadable as he adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves. He was as handsome, in control, and cold-seeming as ever. I was gl
“Another property then.”“Why is it so hard for you to intercede in this? You have the power?” I set my jaw. “Is this also something that I can’t ask you for?”Dominic’s gaze flickered, something unreadable passing through it before he said, “I’ve already given you what you wanted. Isn't your engage
DominicThe file was taunting me, sitting there. Tempting me to know what exactly the fiery young woman I should never have kissed had come up with. Her words had played over and over in my head for the past week. I tried to come up with something to say to her, something that would undermine everyt
*Today was the day.The car rolled down the street. The road was a bit rough, and each bump sent a jolt to my already frayed nerves. I was irritated, scratching at the walls to get this done as the next semester loomed closer."Remember, Renee, composure. That's your most powerful weapon today. Th
Dominic was the first person I noticed, but it was because he was seated in my direct line of sight as soon as I entered. The doors were closed behind us. We took our places, and as soon as the main judge, an older man who probably believed that women were only worth something if they were married,
Philip scoffed, folding his arms. “You’re being childish,” he said dismissively. “This is nothing but a tantrum from a girl who didn’t get her way. You broke off your engagement on a whim, and now you expect to be free of all consequences?”The words that wanted to come beat at my teeth. I swallowed
No.I must have heard wrong. He’s supposed to like me.He will like me given enough time.Vivian blinked. “Excuse me? I must have heard you wrong.”His expression was cold, unmoving, his lips tilted up in the smallest show of disdain and disgust.“You see a woman who is meant to be your friend beate
Someone made a move to leave or punch him, it was barely a tremble of movement several feet behind Neil.“Don’t move.”I shuddered, flinching as the command settled, but somehow missed me. Then... I realized that the compulsions, none of them, hadn’t actually been directed at me, but cast across the
Fight.My fist connected with her jaw so hard my knuckles screamed in protest, but I didn’t care.Someone yanked me back and off her. I roared, jerking and twisting hard to shove them off, to the ground, clawing at their face. Another person rushed up toward me and I shoved her back. She went flying
“You think you can humiliate my brother and get away with it? You’re nothing but a spoiled, pathetic little—”I was on my feet seconds later, snarling at her. “Keep your fucking hands off me, and keep your pathetic little brother away from me.”“You—”“And don’t think for a second you’re going to ge
No. Honestly, not out of a desperate last-ditch effort to garner my sympathy, too scared or too ashamed—too hurt in some ways— to just ask. I closed my eyes and cursed under my breath.That kiss.I shouldn’t have let it happen. Shouldn’t have wanted it the way I did. I could still feel the soft heat
DominicVivian’s smile froze. “Renee?”“Yes. She needs a vehicle as soon as possible.” I said it casually, but I didn’t miss the flicker of annoyance in her expression. “I would prefer she had one before the semester started.”“You’re buying her a car?” she asked slowly, like she couldn’t quite beli
“You, obviously. If he’s important to you—”“I didn’t say that,” she snapped, a little too quickly. “This isn’t about me. It’s about Renee not being a good friend. She knows I like him, and she’s still—still taking advantage of him being nice to her! She’s not even helping me!”I sat back, rubbing a
DominicI was in my office, the case files spread out in front of me like a puzzle I couldn’t quite solve. The docket number for Renee’s case sat at the top of every page, staring back at me in bold letters. Financial records, pack account logs, medical records, the guardianship order and so much of
“Lady Brightclaw,” they greeted. “Of course. Will you be overseeing the rest of the move?’“Of course. What are best friends for?”One of them opened the door and I smirked as I entered.Let’s the games begin.ReneeThe sound of Vivian’s huffing was music, but I didn’t feel at ease until we had alre