Daniel's eyes traced over Claudia's face with cool, professional interest. She was attempting to keep the bruised left side away from King's vision and tilt her head in a way that would swing her blond hair forward to cover the swelling. She sat curled up on the couch, enveloped in a thick blanket where she had clearly been tucked for safe keeping. Her billionaire boyfriend was currently pacing around her like a caged tiger in need of fresh prey.

Each darkening bruise brought ...