The heavy rain had delayed all departures, and Briony's flight was no exception.

She'd booked a first-class ticket, so she waited out the storm in the airport's VIP lounge.

To pass the time, Briony picked up a magazine from a nearby table and began flipping through it absently.

Suddenly, the polished toes of a pair of black dress shoes stopped right in front of her.

Puzzled, Briony looked up-and found herself staring into Stewart's dark, inscrutable eyes.

Her lips pressed together, and her brow furrowed, almost instinctively.

A faint, knowing smile played at the corner of Stewart's mouth. "Heading to Silveridge too?" he asked.

Briony felt a vague but unmistakable sense of foreboding settle in her chest.

"Judging by your face, I got it right," Stewart said, his voice low and even. "I'm on my way to Silveridge as well."

Briony said nothing.

He glanced at the empty seat beside her and, without the slightest hesitation, sat down.

"Are you going for the Antiquarian Society's documentary shoot?" he asked.

"That's none of your business," Briony replied coolly, barely giving him a glance before returning to her magazine.

After what had happened last time at City Hall the way Stewart had played her for a fool-she saw no reason to pretend civility anymore.

This man was selfish and manipulative, always looking out for himself, always finding new ways to use her. If that was the case, why should she bother maintaining appearances?

she had

openly she displayed her disgust, he seemed

he continued, as if her rudeness didn't register. "So I'll be participating in

didn't want to hear any of

on her cold profile, his mouth curving just slightly. "You really don't want to

talk to you," she said, finally lifting her head and taking a steadying breath. Her eyes, icy and bright, locked onto his. "If you

"Let's save that for after we get back

the first time he dodged the issue;

her tone flat. Stewart said nothing, his gaze

act like a normal person. Rolling her eyes,

up from James: The rain's really coming down out there. Has your

typed back a quick

She answered and walked

when you'll take off?"

yet. They said there's lightning, so if

canceled. But the rain's letting up

me and I'll come pick you up," James

"Okay."

professor before takeoff-he'll need to know when

laugh. "You worry too

goddaughter weren't in your belly, I

lips

a gentle warmth crept into her voice-a voice that was naturally delicate, with a steady, comforting cadence. It was the kind of voice made for reading bedtime stories. Over the past five years, it had

Stewart's

...

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