22
The world seems to pause as I soak in everything around me. The fresh wood lets off a musky scent as it burns in the fireplace. Lights flicker from the candelabras above me. The low gurgle of water echoes in from all the wall fountains. And finally, there’s Ty. Knox’s ex has transformed from a hyper-gentle dream girl into a hard-boiled nightmare. Ty lounges at the table’s head, her right leg slung over the arm of her chair. Behind her, the massive fireplace outlines her in red flame. Talk about drama.
Ty sneezes. “Damn. This place is murder on my allergies.”
“You could always leave,” offers Knox.
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” she asks.
Knox levels her with a glare. That would be yeah.
Ty shakes her head. “Whatever. I’m staying, and it’s for your own good, Knox. You’ll see.”
Wi
