Chapter 1

Alistair was the first to come out of the bedroom the next morning. His shirt was only half-buttoned, and a faint red scratch marked his collarbone.

He rubbed his aching arm. I pretended not to notice. Instead, I spread peanut butter on a slice of toast just the way he liked it and handed it to him. "Good morning. Why are you up so early?"

He ignored the toast and stared at me. "Nika is still asleep. Keep your voice down. Whatever you do, don't wake her."

I nodded. "She's a guest. I should be considerate."

Satisfied, he ruffled my hair. "That's the Elena I know."

Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he added, "Nika doesn't like being around strangers. Pack your things today and move out for a while."

I was the one paying the rent.

Still, I only said, "All right."

He smiled, pleased with my answer. Just then, the bedroom door cracked open.

An hour later, Alistair left with Nika. He said she needed someone with her at all times, so naturally, he had to take her to work.

Once they were gone, I pulled out the invitation I had hidden beneath a couch cushion the night before and headed to the launch.

I had dressed so plainly that the attendant checking invitations looked me over twice.

I stayed at the back of the crowd, where I had a clear view of Alistair onstage.

Nika was practically pressed against his chest. His hand rested on her waist, his thumb stroking her skin with easy familiarity.

He used to do the same thing to calm me down.

Today's launch was supposed to announce a major partnership for the project he was leading.

Amid the applause, he adjusted his suit and stepped into the spotlight.

The host repeatedly called for the partner's representative, but no one appeared.

Uneasy whispers spread through the room. Alistair's face slowly darkened, and his unease soon turned to panic.

Nika patted his back gently. "Maybe something came up and delayed them. Let's wait a little longer."

A moment later, his assistant pushed through the crowd. "Mr. Westwood, we have a problem. The media group just backed out, so the partnership is on hold."

"Why?" Alistair snapped.

"They say they need to review the company's reputation."

His family owned the company, which had dominated the industry for years. Something like this should never have happened.

Furious, Alistair hurled the microphone to the floor.

The speakers shrieked with feedback, and everyone covered their ears.

From my spot in the corner, I took a glass of wine from a passing server's tray.

Alistair hurried off with Nika toward the green room. I did not follow. I'd already seen enough.

I didn't notice the man until he appeared beside me. "Here alone?"

I nodded. "For now."

He pulled out an empty chair. "Then perhaps you'll keep me company for a while."

After a moment's hesitation, I sat down.