Blair barely had time to prepare herself before Roman’s mother, Eleanor, enveloped her in a warm embrace the moment she got within reaching distance. The embrace was warm and welcoming, and it surprised the hell out of Blair.

“Blair, darling,” Eleanor said as she pulled back, keeping Blair’s hands in hers as she scanned her over with a keen eye. “It’s so good to finally meet you face to face, though I wish it were under better circumstances.” Curving an arm behind Blair’s ...