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Chapter 9: One Room

last update Last Updated: 2025-12-13 14:44:09

The moment they're gone, Tyler releases me. The loss of his body heat is instant and jarring. I feel cold again. Alone.

"Bella," Tyler says, his voice gentle again as he crouches beside the wheelchair. "Go to bed. Nurse Liu is waiting."

"She's cool," Bella grins at me, giving me a thumbs up as she motors toward the elevator. "Nice to meet you, April! Don't let him bite you too hard!"

I touch my neck instinctively. Too late for that.

As soon as the elevator doors close, the silence returns. Heavy. Suffocating.

"You did well," Tyler says, loosening his tie. He looks exhausted. There are lines around his eyes I didn't notice before.

"Who were they?" I ask, rubbing my arms. The adrenaline is wearing off, leaving me shaky and cold.

"Vultures. Spies for my stepbrother, Mitchell." He walks toward the bar in the corner and pours himself a scotch. He doesn't offer me one. "Tiara has been trying to crawl into my bed for three years to secure a power alliance." He looks at me over the rim of his
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