Adam arrived at Luna\u2019s penthouse carrying everything important he owned in two suitcases, one battered backpack, and a cardboard box held together with packing tape.<\/p>\n
The doorman looked at the box.<\/p>\n
Then at Adam.<\/p>\n
Then politely decided not to look at either again.<\/p>\n
Luna lived on the forty-second floor in a building where the lobby smelled faintly of cedar and expensive perfume. There were fresh flowers taller than Adam\u2019s kitchen counter and an elevator panel that required the black key card she had given him.<\/p>\n
When the elevator opened directly into the apartment, he stood motionless.<\/p>\n
Luna glanced back.<\/p>\n
\u201cProblem?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy old place had mice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat doesn\u2019t answer the question.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m adjusting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped around the living room. Denver stretched below in gold evening light. The furniture was modern without looking comfortable. A black piano occupied one corner, though Luna had never mentioned playing.<\/p>\n
Adam looked toward it.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou play?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen why do you have a piano?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father did.\u201d<\/p>\n
That ended the subject.<\/p>\n
Luna led him down a hallway.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour room.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was larger than his entire apartment.<\/p>\n
Adam set his box on the floor.<\/p>\n
A king-size bed faced a wall of windows. The bathroom had two sinks despite the room being intended for one person. The closet was empty except for several new suits hanging at one end.<\/p>\n
Adam stared.<\/p>\n
\u201cThose aren\u2019t mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are now.\u201d<\/p>\n
He checked a label.<\/p>\n
The designer name meant nothing to him.<\/p>\n
The fabric did.<\/p>\n
He rubbed it between his fingers.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow much did these cost?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t ask.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m asking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen I\u2019m declining.\u201d<\/p>\n
He turned toward her.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou bought me clothes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy husband cannot attend a Sterling Foundation dinner wearing the jacket you wore to last year\u2019s Christmas party.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat jacket has character.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat jacket has an elbow patch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s intentional.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s unraveling.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam glanced at the suits again.<\/p>\n
\u201cI could have rented something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat invites unnecessary questions.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou say that a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause you ask unnecessary questions.\u201d<\/p>\n
He smiled.<\/p>\n
Luna did not.<\/p>\n
Then she almost did.<\/p>\n
Again.<\/p>\n
Adam began to suspect she had more facial expressions than the office knew.<\/p>\n
Dinner arrived in neat takeout containers shortly after eight.<\/p>\n
They sat at a dining table meant for twelve.<\/p>\n
Luna opened her laptop beside her plate.<\/p>\n
Adam watched her type while eating one piece of sushi at a time.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo this is marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n
She looked up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDinner together. Emotional intimacy. Shared dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re chewing with your mouth open.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPassion.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n
He closed his mouth.<\/p>\n
She pushed a second folder across the table.<\/p>\n
He groaned.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease tell me this one doesn\u2019t contain my dental records.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur history.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe story of our relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam opened the folder.<\/p>\n
Page one was labeled BACKGROUND.<\/p>\n
He read aloud.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst meaningful interaction: Sterling Foundation winter benefit, Aspen. Six months ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou attended that event through the junior staff rotation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI worked coat check.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou still attended.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was in a storage room surrounded by parkas.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were physically present.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam continued reading.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst date: private dinner two evenings later.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a restaurant receipt.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou created a receipt?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI reserved the table under my name six months ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
He stared.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou planned this six months ago?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew the trust deadline was approaching.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWas there actually dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWith who?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy assistant.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam looked deeply offended.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo our first date was you and your assistant?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe ordered salmon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad somebody enjoyed our relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna rubbed her temple.<\/p>\n
\u201cCould you take this seriously?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI married my boss yesterday for financial reasons. I am taking reality exactly as seriously as it deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite herself, Luna laughed.<\/p>\n
It was brief.<\/p>\n
Soft.<\/p>\n
Nothing like the controlled sound she made at corporate dinners when someone important told a mediocre joke.<\/p>\n
Adam stopped.<\/p>\n
Luna noticed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve heard you laugh before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her expression immediately closed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cContinue reading.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam let it go.<\/p>\n
The fabricated history was astonishingly detailed.<\/p>\n
Their supposed Aspen dinner.<\/p>\n
A weekend drive to Boulder.<\/p>\n
A private hike.<\/p>\n
A proposal three months later at a mountain overlook.<\/p>\n
A courthouse marriage witnessed only by Luna\u2019s attorney and assistant.<\/p>\n
Adam lowered the pages.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would we hide getting married?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I\u2019m private.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cConvenient.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause workplace relationships create gossip.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause you wanted your work judged independently.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam looked at her.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat one I like.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI assumed you would.\u201d<\/p>\n
He turned the page.<\/p>\n
There were details about Luna\u2019s childhood.<\/p>\n
Favorite foods.<\/p>\n
Schools.<\/p>\n
University.<\/p>\n
Her dislike of lilies.<\/p>\n
Her preference for black coffee.<\/p>\n
Adam looked at her mug.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou take cream.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAt home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo the file is wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe file describes what people at work believe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam considered that.<\/p>\n
\u201cInteresting.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have a public coffee preference.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone has a public version of themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMine drinks whatever is cheapest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat part appears authentic.\u201d<\/p>\n
He pointed at her.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounded like a joke.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother one.\u201d<\/p>\n
She stood.<\/p>\n
\u201cRead the file.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over the next ten days, their ridiculous arrangement settled into routines neither had anticipated.<\/p>\n
Every morning, they left the apartment together.<\/p>\n
In the elevator, Luna became subtly different if other residents joined them.<\/p>\n
Her shoulders loosened.<\/p>\n
She stood closer.<\/p>\n
Sometimes her hand slipped through Adam\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n
The first time she did it, he nearly looked down at her fingers.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t,\u201d she murmured.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAct surprised when your wife touches you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the office they separated.<\/p>\n
Luna took the executive elevator.<\/p>\n
Adam crossed the lobby toward the creative department.<\/p>\n
The gossip began by lunchtime on the second day.<\/p>\n
Marcus nearly choked on coffee.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou married Luna Sterling?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam kept typing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the rumor.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rumor is coming from Human Resources.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen it seems reliable.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou married her?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam glanced up.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA while ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell anybody?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPrivacy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marcus stared for several seconds.<\/p>\n
Then leaned close.<\/p>\n
\u201cBlink twice if you\u2019re being held hostage.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam blinked twice.<\/p>\n
Marcus went pale.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m joking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou absolute\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam laughed for nearly a minute.<\/p>\n
The humor helped.<\/p>\n
What didn\u2019t help was discovering how rapidly coworkers recalculated his identity.<\/p>\n
People who had barely noticed him became attentive.<\/p>\n
Executives who once forgot his name now asked about Luna.<\/p>\n
Coworkers wondered whether his assignments were favors.<\/p>\n
One senior copywriter openly asked whether sleeping with management counted as professional development.<\/p>\n
Adam replied, \u201cYou should ask HR.\u201d<\/p>\n
The man avoided him afterward.<\/p>\n
Luna heard about it.<\/p>\n
That evening, she entered the penthouse carrying her shoes in one hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho was it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam looked up from the couch.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho was what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe person who insulted you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt matters to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
He studied her.<\/p>\n
At work, Luna had been composed all day.<\/p>\n
Here, barefoot in a white blouse with her hair slightly disordered, she looked furious.<\/p>\n
\u201cI handled it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can handle it more efficiently.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou promised I could defend myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t promise everyone would survive the result.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam grinned.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere she is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy terrifying wife.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna rolled her eyes and walked toward the kitchen.<\/p>\n
The company gala arrived Friday.<\/p>\n
A tailor came to the apartment at six.<\/p>\n
Adam protested until the man politely ignored him.<\/p>\n
At seven fifteen, Adam stepped from his room wearing a midnight-blue suit that fitted him so precisely he wondered whether Luna\u2019s investigators had measured him during his sleep.<\/p>\n
Then Luna came down the hallway.<\/p>\n
He forgot the joke he had prepared.<\/p>\n
Her black dress was simple from a distance and extraordinary up close. Her hair was pinned back. A pair of diamond earrings caught the light whenever she moved.<\/p>\n
She stopped.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re staring.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m practicing believable husband behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPractice more discreetly.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou look\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna waited.<\/p>\n
Adam cleared his throat.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery professionally married.\u201d<\/p>\n
She gave him a flat look.<\/p>\n
\u201cWonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou look beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n
That silenced both of them.<\/p>\n
Adam hadn\u2019t meant it as part of the performance.<\/p>\n
Luna looked away first.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo do you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI look beautiful?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know what I meant.\u201d<\/p>\n
The gala occupied a ballroom inside a downtown hotel.<\/p>\n
Two hundred people filled the room.<\/p>\n
Clients.<\/p>\n
Executives.<\/p>\n
Donors.<\/p>\n
Board members.<\/p>\n
Sterling relatives Adam had seen only in photographs.<\/p>\n
The instant they entered, Luna threaded her arm through his.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmile.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI am smiling.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou look constipated.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cVery romantic.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam.\u201d<\/p>\n
He smiled properly.<\/p>\n
They moved from group to group.<\/p>\n
Adam followed the prepared story at first.<\/p>\n
Aspen.<\/p>\n
Private dinner.<\/p>\n
Quiet courtship.<\/p>\n
Small ceremony.<\/p>\n
But repetition made him reckless.<\/p>\n
By the fifth conversation, he added details.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe spilled sparkling water on me at dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna glanced at him.<\/p>\n
The client laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI did not,\u201d Luna said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou absolutely did.\u201d<\/p>\n
The client leaned toward her. \u201cYou never told us that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna recovered instantly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was hoping everyone would forget.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe threatened to send me the dry-cleaning bill.\u201d<\/p>\n
The client laughed again.<\/p>\n
When they moved away, Luna pinched Adam lightly through his sleeve.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur story needed texture.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou invented an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could have contradicted the file.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReal couples contradict each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
She looked at him.<\/p>\n
Annoyingly, he knew he was right.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat story is now permanent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cExcellent. I\u2019ll embellish it every anniversary.\u201d<\/p>\n
The phrase every anniversary slipped out naturally.<\/p>\n
Luna heard it.<\/p>\n
So did Adam.<\/p>\n
Neither commented.<\/p>\n
They were halfway across the ballroom when a man stepped directly into their path.<\/p>\n
Derek Sterling.<\/p>\n
His tuxedo looked expensive enough to fund Adam\u2019s former rent for a year.<\/p>\n
\u201cLittle sister.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna\u2019s hand tightened around Adam\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cDerek.\u201d<\/p>\n
He kissed her cheek without warmth.<\/p>\n
Then he turned.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo this is Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam extended his hand.<\/p>\n
Derek shook it.<\/p>\n
His grip was firm.<\/p>\n
His smile friendly.<\/p>\n
His eyes were neither.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve crossed paths,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. Copy department.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStill there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna\u2019s voice sharpened.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
Derek smiled at her.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing sinister. Surely marriage to the vice president creates opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam let go of his hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d rather earn those.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course you would.\u201d<\/p>\n
Derek took a champagne glass from a passing tray.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you two meet again?\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cAspen.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight. The foundation benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeautiful night.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWas it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Derek\u2019s smile widened.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were working coat check, weren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n
A tiny chill moved through Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd Luna spent most of that evening seated with donors.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMost.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo when exactly did romance strike?\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna started to speak.<\/p>\n
Adam beat her to it.<\/p>\n
\u201cNear midnight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Derek turned toward him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was bringing coats out to the closing committee,\u201d Adam continued. \u201cLuna came through looking for hers.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI had misplaced the claim ticket,\u201d Luna said smoothly.<\/p>\n
Adam nearly smiled.<\/p>\n
She was learning.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told her I couldn\u2019t release it without proof.\u201d<\/p>\n
Derek raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou refused Luna Sterling her own coat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was extremely offended.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was cold.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe threatened me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI explained policy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWith threats.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna\u2019s mouth curved.<\/p>\n
Derek watched both of them.<\/p>\n
Then he laughed.<\/p>\n
\u201cCharming.\u201d<\/p>\n
But the suspicion stayed in his eyes.<\/p>\n
Later, while Luna spoke to a client, Derek found Adam alone near the terrace doors.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam sipped water.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sure what this is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo?\u201d<\/p>\n
Derek stepped closer.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy sister doesn\u2019t fall in love.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds like a strange thing for her brother to say.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know her better than you do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen maybe you know why she doesn\u2019t talk about you much.\u201d<\/p>\n
The smile disappeared.<\/p>\n
Only for a second.<\/p>\n
Then it returned.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think you\u2019ve won something.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam looked directly at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I got married.\u201d<\/p>\n
Derek chuckled.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever she offered you, enjoy it while it lasts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam\u2019s pulse quickened.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
Derek took another drink.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy sister believes preparation can solve every problem. She forgets people make mistakes.\u201d<\/p>\n
He glanced toward Luna.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd people in love make more than most.\u201d<\/p>\n
He walked away.<\/p>\n
Adam remained by the doors.<\/p>\n
Across the ballroom, Luna looked at him.<\/p>\n
She knew instantly something had happened.<\/p>\n
Adam gave the smallest shake of his head.<\/p>\n
Not here.<\/p>\n
Later, in the car, Luna listened without interrupting while he repeated Derek\u2019s words.<\/p>\n
When he finished, she stared through the window.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe knows something.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOr he suspects.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe wouldn\u2019t approach you unless he thought he could unsettle you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe succeeded a little.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna turned.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, this matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. You need to understand him. Derek doesn\u2019t bluff unless the bluff itself creates an advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat advantage would this create?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTo make us nervous.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam considered the answer.<\/p>\n
Luna looked down at her hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a family weekend next Friday.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat kind of weekend?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mother hosts it every autumn at the estate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd Derek will be there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCancel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause married couples attend together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam sighed.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna still looked uneasy.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat aren\u2019t you telling me?\u201d<\/p>\n
She took a slow breath.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the estate, family members stay in assigned rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds harmless.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt normally is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNormally?\u201d<\/p>\n
She finally looked at him.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mother believes newlyweds should have the best suite.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam understood.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne room.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOne bed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
He looked out the window.<\/p>\n
Denver lights slid past the glass.<\/p>\n
After a moment he said, \u201cRemember how our first conversation went?\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna closed her eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou said we would have separate bedrooms.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAt home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou were very confident.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCircumstances changed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cClearly.\u201d<\/p>\n
When they reached the building, Luna touched his arm before he could open the car door.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s something else.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam waited.<\/p>\n
\u201cDerek will watch everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen we give him nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019ll look for distance. Hesitation. Anything unnatural.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam studied her face.<\/p>\n
At the gala she had been flawless.<\/p>\n
Now he could see fear under the discipline.<\/p>\n
Not fear of embarrassment.<\/p>\n
Fear of losing the company.<\/p>\n
Fear of losing the legacy her father had left tangled inside an impossible condition.<\/p>\n
Adam covered her hand with his.<\/p>\n
It was the first touch between them no one was watching.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll handle the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luna looked down at their hands.<\/p>\n
Neither moved.<\/p>\n
Finally she asked, \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam smiled faintly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re the one paying me. I assumed you had a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
For once, Luna Sterling had no answer.<\/p>\n
Adam arrived at Luna\u2019s penthouse carrying everything important he owned in two suitcases, one battered backpack, and a cardboard box held together with packing tape. The doorman looked at the … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6168,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chapter-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6170"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6170\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6190,"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6170\/revisions\/6190"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6168"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thechapterstory.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}