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Rebecca There it is Her name And with it, her eternal absence that I can never mend The news of what becaht hours old I’ to deal with how my mistake led her into the path of another jealous woman with a horrific outcoet close to me, only to see that person hurt I’ll never let that happen again

Never

—

Once et to the hospital I quickly e claim and locate my carousel With some fast footwork I’le piece of luggage, besides the one hung over my shoulder, when I hear, “Mr Compton?”

I turn to find a pretty blonde standing beforethe shoulders of her pale pink, primly cut suit jacket I arch a brow at her “And you would be?”

“You are the Mark Compton, correct?”

“I’ where this is headed

“I thought so I recognize you from your picture at Riptide” Her perfect pale cheeks flush “Oh Sorry I should introduce myself” She offers me her hand “Crystal Smith, the new head of sales for Riptide, and thrilled to be working at one of the ious auction houses in the world”

I don’t reach for her hand Buther isn’t control, it’s weakness—and I hate weakness I close my hand over hers “Nice to meet you, Ms Smith” My palm warms, and I don’t want to be warmed by this woman, or by any woman I haven’t chosen as a submissive

Her lashes lower, and I know she’s hiding her reaction to the touch Despite ued Even more so when, almost instantly, she smoothly recovers and her lashes lift, her eyes directly one

Impressed by her rapid recovery and quick control, I’m surprised by how reluctantly I release her hand I’ “Since when is it the duty of the sales er to pick someone up at the airport?”

Her brows dip and she gives a delicate snort “It’s not like you’re just anyone You’re your mother’s son”

I inwardly cringe at the sore spot she’s hit I love allery across the country “She ordered you to pick me up”

Her lips curve “Your mother’s as feisty as ever from her hospital bed”

“I’ of ut “She’s impossible to say no to, even for me”