Chapter Eighty five

85.

He led her away from the front door, of course, and down a long

hallway. After what seemed like a ten-mile hike, they entered a glass?enclosed room. Mia had to catch her breath, surprised by the loveliness of

the lush greenery. The sun seemed to stream brightly into the room, though

it was an overcast day. She didn’t know if it was a treatment of the glass or

discreet lighting.

The room was also warm, and with all the plants, it reminded her of the

garden on the roof of her father’s building. Stefania had tended it lovingly

until Vadim destroyed it in a fit of rage for perceived disrespect. Her

stepmother had never tried to replant, and the woman herself had started to

fade gradually at that point.

Shane sat at a wrought iron table, but got to his feet as she approached.

He nodded to Wallace, who disappeared without a word, as he came toward

her. “Good morning, Mia.”

She glared at him. Did he really think she was going to sit around

making pleasant conversation with