patents. If we don’t have the rights to develop the research—”
“I’ve got it figured out,” I say and she blinks. I’ve never sounded so firm before, but I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life. Belladonna is my company, and I’m going to steer her true. “For the first time in my life, I’m thinking clearly.”
“All right,” Rachel murmurs, her brow furrowing as she approaches our building. She’s right—there are press mobbing the front. I resist the urge to slide down in my seat as we pass them. “I’ll drop you off,” Rachel says as she pulls around back. “Go get ‘em. I’m right behind you.”
“Thanks,” I shoot her a smile and exit the car. My confident stride lasts until I’m almost to the lobby elevators. A tall man is waiting by reception, wearing a greatcoat. My steps slow when he turns. Smooth skin, blond hair sleekly combed back from his model perfect face. Adam Archer.
I wait, but there are no belly flutters. No excitement at seeing Adam. No, I’m disappointed. Even with his scars, Logan outshines Adam’s movie star good looks.
But when Adam sees me, he looks relieved. I feel a twinge of guilt. Weak, but it’s there.
“There you are.” He catches me in his arms. To my shock, he puts his hands on my cheeks and kisses me full on the mouth.
“Adam,” I break away. Guilt totally gone. “What are you doing?” I want to wipe my lips, it feels so wrong to have felt someone’s kiss other than Logan’s.
“It’ll be all right, Daphne. I talked to your father. I know just what to do.”
I scrunch my face, jerking back from Adam. Does he always wear this much cologne?
“Adam, that’s…very kind. But I don’t need—”
But Adam isn’t listening.
“Here she is!” Adam waves to someone behind my head. The elevator has opened and several board members are standing there, scowling at me. A committee of vultures, identical to the man with their glowering faces and dark suits.
“I’ve got her,” Adam says and turns me to face him. “Daphne, are you ready?”
“Ready for what?”
“Our press conference.”
“Wait.” Everything is happening too fast. “What press conference?”
“Just follow my lead.” He’s tugging me to the door. The security guards are opening it.
“No—wait—”
Cameras flash. I’m blinded.
“She’s here, everyone,” Adam is saying, laughing. He shines his toothpaste grin at everyone, basking in the flashing lights. He loves the cameras and they love him.
“Mr. Archer! Mr. Archer!”
“No—” I try to blunder back into the building, but the board is there, waiting just inside. Adam catches my arm and eases me into his side.
“She’s a little camera shy. But that’s okay. I talk enough for the both of us.”
Oh gods, no. I can feel it happening—the old Daphne surfacing. The people pleaser, the one who does whatever her father tells her to do. Smile for the camera, Daphne. Hold the award up nice and high so we all can see it. See what you’re worth.
You don’t see me. I want to scream. You never did. But Adam is waving to a TV crew, his arm around me as we pose. I move with him in lockstep. Everyone’s speaking over me and I just let them.
“Dr. Laurel, where were you? Can you comment on the state of the merger?”
“Enough, enough,” Adam waves his hands and the press settles down. I’ve always wondered how he could do that—magically calm the storm. “I have a question to ask Daphne. And I think you’ll want to hear it.”
My heart beats so loud I barely hear what he says next. But I don’t need to. I can guess. Because, in front of everyone, the ecstatic press and the somber-faced board members, Adam gets down on one knee.
No. My heart stops.
“Daphne,” Adam murmurs.
What, my lips shape the word but no sound comes out. From his pocket, Adam produces a small black box and opens it. A diamond flashes like a paparazzi's camera.
Over the rising roar of the crowd and the rushing in my ears I read Adam’s lips as he asks, “Will you make me the happiest man on Earth?”
Twenty-Six
Logan
Letting her go was the right thing to do. I pace the basement lab while waiting for the latest set of experiments to run.
Work is the only thing I can think to do so I don’t go out of my mind while she’s gone from the castle. She’ll like that I’m doing work on Battleman’s. When she gets back I’ll finally tell her what I’m working on. Maybe… Maybe we could work