Franklin still couldn't shake the humiliation. It clung to him like smoke, thick and suffocating, stinging every inch of his pride.
He gulped down another glass of liquor, hoping it would settle the fierce pounding of his heart. It didn't.
His mind kept circling back relentlessly to Cassie.
Their first encounter had left an impression he never bothered to admit. She had been soft-spoken, polite, carrying a quiet mystery that pulled him in despite himself.
He had even considered using her as a pretend girlfriend, something neat and uncomplicated, but then everything about her began unraveling before him like a whip cracking across his face.
Frederick had hinted at Cassie's true nature, and their next meeting only confirmed it. She looked worn-out, emotionally exhausted, fra
