The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Even now, she was still determined to keep her promise.

Leonard was the kind of man who would keep his word, but only if it involved someone he actually cared about. When it came to a promise made to an enemy... well, that was just another weapon in his arsenal-a way to toy with them.

Leonard arched an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Stella's willingness to go through with it.

He pretended to consider for a few seconds. "But Ms. Cameron, if you don't do it yourself, won't it look like we're ganging up on a defenseless woman? If you go complaining afterward, that could get us in a lot of trouble."

Although his words sounded cautious, his face betrayed not the slightest hint of fear or concern.

Stella understood: Leonard didn't actually care whether she did it herself.

Her lips, drained of all color, trembled as she spoke. "Then what exactly do you intend, Mr. Lerman?"

Leonard grinned at her. "Since you're not exactly in fighting shape, I won't make things hard for you. Let's try something new. When I break your hand in a minute, for every scream you let out, I'll send one of your dear friends a man to keep them company. How does that sound?"

unable

control themselves when wracked with pain; screaming was almost automatic. In fact, it was the body's way of coping-a small, desperate

that Stella shouldn't even cry out was tantamount to

agony that shot through your fingers and

“Leonard, that's enough. She's already been taught a lesson. In her condition, she probably won't ever play the violin again. She's

be afraid of? As long as

don't want to get your hands dirty, just stay out of the

were child's play compared to Leonard's. Leonard's methods were

have someone ruin Stella's hand. But Leonard wanted

the best year of her career, making waves on the international stage. If nothing went wrong, she was a shoo-in for the

hand, to destroy her mother's cherished violin,

punishment enough? There was simply no need for this kind of

but tormenting a woman like this crossed a

were interrupted by a sudden gasp-Abby's voice, sharp

bastard! What kind of