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?

had

how openly she displayed

artifacts," he continued, as if her rudeness didn't register. "So

lips tightened with impatience. She didn't want to hear any

profile, his mouth curving just slightly. "You really don't

taking a steadying breath. Her eyes, icy and bright, locked onto his. "If you want to discuss when we're signing

that

the first time he dodged the issue; she wasn't about to be fooled by him

her tone flat. Stewart said nothing, his

hadn't expected him to act like a normal person. Rolling her eyes, she turned away

The rain's really coming down out there. Has

typed back a quick

later, James's name flashed on her screen. She

you'll take off?" he

yet. They said there's lightning, so if it

the rain's letting up a

canceled, call me and I'll come pick you up,"

"Okay."

your professor before takeoff-he'll need to know when to come

couldn't help but laugh. "You worry too

goddaughter weren't in your

smiled, lips

taking his eyes off her. The lounge was quiet. Briony's conversation was soft, but even so, 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 proven to be

about this, Stewart's eyes

...

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255