A knock sounded on the door."Come in," he said, his eyes never leaving me.DominicHad she always been such a liar? Yes, was the immediate answer that came to mind. Ms. Leon’s expression gave her away before she said a word. Her mouth was polite, but her eyes flicked toward Vivian like they couldn’
VivianI could feel my heart pounding against my ribs, wild and uneven. The way Dad was looking at me wasn’t just disappointment. It was cold. He practically already said he had made up his mind. Who had he called if Renee hadn't answered? I set my jaw and crossed my arms."If you know so much alrea
Vivian’s mouth opened, then closed. I scowled at her. My head starting to pound."The fact that you think it is appropriate for you to scream, assault, and otherwise terrorize the staff is appalling enough. And I'll deal with it shortly."It was unnerving, Renee not answering her phone. Something ab
DominicA maid stood trembling near the hallway, half-bowed and pale. Vivian’s shrieking rattled through the halls like a fire alarm, sharp and relentless. Maids scattered like deer under gunfire, and I approached one of them."What's going on?" I asked softly."Ms. Vivian is…" Something else crashe
“With me?”I glanced away, suddenly shy. “In a dress I didn’t pick. At a place I can’t afford. On a night I didn’t see coming.”His smile was softer than I expected. “I told you—I’d take you around Brightclaw. This is just a start.”The food was amazing, but it was the way the candlelight played on
ReneeI stared. “Excuse me?”“You need real food. A place with actual silverware. One night away from all of this.” He gestured to the building. "And I believe I promised to take you around Brightclaw, didn't I?"I opened my mouth to protest, but I couldn’t quite find the energy to argue. And worse,