She washed her hair, taking her time, her hands trembling, the terrible cold sinking so deep into her bones, she feared she’d never get it out. She felt still inside, as if she held herself together by sheer willpower and if she moved too far one way or the other, she’d shatter from the cold.

Siena dressed with care, needing to feel as if she had armor when she faced Elijah again. She wasn’t certain how best to approach him. She’d promised she’d talk to him if anything upset her, and seeing him like that, well, not only was it upsetting, it was terrifying. He had gone so remote, she wasn’t certain he was even the same man. He’d felt—and looked—like a total stranger.

She tugged on her softest skirt, the one that fell to her ankles and made her feel taller. She hated putting on a bra, because the strap rubbed along the four rake marks, but she did it so she could wear one of her favorite blouses. It was a beautiful silky material, almost, but not really see-through. It hinted at what was beneath it, but was very classy. No sleeves, but tiny pearl buttons down the front, it came to a vee at her waist and hugged her narrow rib cage. It went perfectly with the skirt and gave her confidence in her appearance, even with the scar on her face.

She stared at herself for a long time in the mirror, her heart beating fast. She didn’t want to lose the Elijah she’d had for the last month. She wanted to find a way to bring him back to her. Taking a deep breath, she smoothed her hands down her thighs and moved barefoot out of the master bedroom.

The house seemed silent, and she knew, while she’d been in the shower, Jake had whisked his family home and Eli must have come for Catarina. That embarrassed her a bit. Wasn’t she supposed to be the hostess? Still, there was movement in the house and the low murmur of voices. The voices didn’t sound happy and the atmosphere, as she moved through the hall, seemed tense and oppressive.

Two men, Joshua and Joaquin, came out of a room at the end of the hall and closed the door behind them. She knew that was Elijah’s private office. When they opened the door, the two voices got a little louder and she knew Drake and Elijah were arguing. The two men walked toward her, and she pressed herself against the wall to allow them past. Joshua jerked his chin at her. He didn’t look happy. She didn’t blame him. She could tell by the voices, Drake’s and Elijah’s drifting from the large office off the hall to her right, that neither man was happy.