Roy Dashiel excused himself after having a few toasts with some investors and took Tessa Marvins along with him. He guided her through a side corridor of the hotel ballroom, his hand still firmly on her back, he didn't say a word but Tessa Marvins could feel the power he held under control as he walked beside her. He was like a brooding storm.

      They reached a quiet alcove and Roy Dashiel stopped, turning to face her. Here, the music and violins from the ballroom seemed to have faded, ...