The following morning after Alexander was admitted, Amelia couldn't brush away the sense that clung to everything. His words had sunk deep in her, repeating in her mind again and again like some ominous refrain.

You matter to me.

She should have been safe. She should have been wanted, guarded. But her stomach tightened with fear. Because in Alexander Carter's world, being special to him did not translate to safety; it put a target on everyone's back.

The penthouse was quiet. Too quiet. There ...