“You’re probably wondering why I keep looking at you like that.”I sit on the seat Tieran has pointed to me and there’s a strange feeling that crawls up my spine again when I feel Tieran’s mentor returns his gaze to me. He looks like an aged and solemn man yet sits like a man who knows his worth despite his condition, but has also been lonely for so long. When he looks at me; I see some of my features plainly on his face. The color of his eyes, the slight raise of his nose…My heart begins to race and I fall short of breath. I keep myself under control so I won't embarrass myself, or Tieran. His mentor’s voice is solemn when he continues speaking.“I lost something special some years ago, a very long time ago to be sincere. I have been guilty of that loss since the day I realized it. I couldn’t do what had to be done to keep it, and I thought I could handle that loss, I told myself she was just a stripper after all.” He sounds like he’s beating himself up even as he speaks and a sad l

Malachi’s pov.It’s been four days now and I still haven’t heard from Antonia.She hasn’t been picking up her calls, my private investigators haven’t been able to find anything about her, it’s like she vanished into thin air.I grit my teeth and look at the application on my table. This is the 23rd application for a secretary I’m going through, and I would have given it over to Human Resources, but every boss worth his dime knows a good secretary is an asset to their boss. A good secretary could make life a lot easier, or frustrate me into damnation. I need someone who can do their job.“I’ve worked as a personal assistant to Mr. Dennis Hayes of Hayes Inc. Mrs. Aura Tine of Time Technology, and,”“How many months did you spend working for each of them? Was it even up to a month?” My response is cold, bored almost, because I could see right through this trick the moment she started going on about her stellar job qualifications. The pause lasts for half a minute without a response.“You

Antonia’s pov.Malachi lets go of my arm at the sight of Tieran, and though I said I’d feel nothing for him, that I’d never let myself have any emotions for Malachi Finn - I still find a bit of my heart breaking every time because he manages to surprise me.I know Malachi can be more than mean, I just never thought he’d direct it to me one day.His words ring in my ears even as we stand there and he rakes a hand through his burnt gold hair. He looks dashing in his suit. He radiates an exotic kind of charm when the light catches his eyes just right.We’re standing in the hallway of my father’s house, yet he’s managed to make me feel like a slut, “We’re just going through some marital issues, Uncle Tieran. Antonia’s being difficult.”I remember Tieran is standing behind me and I pull myself together. Every rogue fear I have in me lights up and makes me wonder if he heard all the things Malachi said to me. I must look weak to him right now. Tieran’s response makes me feel a surge of warm

Antonia’s pov. Something comes in the mail and a maid takes it in. My father takes it up to the upper levels of the mansion and while he does so, I'm watching him, feeling like shit as I mope in the garden because of what Malachi said. His words ring repeatedly in my ear and I ask myself why I should be bothered by what he thinks of me. He can assume I'm a whore for all I care.He’s never had much good to say about me anyway so I don’t expect much, yet still I find my eyes roaming toward the mirrors and windows as I instinctively look at myself now.I don’t look so much different than I did before. A few nights in this beautiful mansion has changed a lot of things. The peace I've felt here has been unrivaled, and I've been pampered so much by my father that it feels like a dream that I can feel loved and cherished. I’ve only felt this way with my grandma, and now it feels like she’s here in some way.“Antonia.”My eyes go to the archway leading into the gardens and I see my father th

The drive to Tieran’s house is short and fast. Worry builds up in my heart constantly because of the disturbance that suddenly happened at the mall. Images of the man keep flashing past behind my eyes and I can't shake off the thought that he wanted to say something. Of the thought that I'd seen him somewhere before. I glance behind me once again and the chauffeur notices my discomfort and worry. His voice is jovial when he speaks, “The guards will handle whatever the problem is Miss Antonia. We’re safe.” I nod despite myself because I want to believe that, then Tieran’s house appears and all my thoughts of being followed are quickly forgotten and overcome by a sudden anxiety. My palms begin to itch because I haven’t seen him since the day of the banquet. I haven’t even dared to text. I felt like I'd brought enough trouble between him and Malachi to text him again. My voice is wary when I speak, “I think I should call him so he can open the gates.” The chauffeur responds calmly, “