A black Maybach glided to a stop in front of me without a sound.
The door opened, and a tall man in a long black coat stepped out, crossing the distance between us in quick strides.
His features were sharp, severe. A faint scar traced the corner of his right eye, a souvenir from the time he'd thrown himself between me and danger.
Quinn Harding.
An orphan the Ashford family had taken in. He'd grown up at my side since we were children.
The outside world believed I was the Ashfords' only daughter. They had no idea that while my father was still alive, he'd personally shaped Quinn into the family's sharpest blade.
He was my sworn brother in name. In truth, he was my most loyal protector.
Five years ago, when I'd insisted on leaving home for William, Quinn had knelt in the rain all night. All it earned him was a single sentence from me: Don't follow me.
Now here he was. Just like back then. At my side the moment I called.
"Miss Ashford, how did you get this thin?" He strode forward and shrugged off his coat, still warm from his body, draping it over my shoulders.
His gaze dropped to my swollen belly, then lifted to my pale face. The look in his eyes turned cold enough to kill.