Chapter 30

• Courtney's breath hitched in her throat. As she braced herself for Hernandez's grand entrance, she felt as if she were an actress waiting for her cue on an unfamiliar stage. The living room, an elegant blend of modern and vintage decor, was a sight to behold. Luxurious velvet couches lounged against artfully painted walls, like glamorous socialites at a cocktail party, while an impressive collection of modern art gazed down from their lofty perches, silently judging her nerves.
• A pang of regret stabbed at her resolve. Why had she insisted that Becca stay behind? Becca's presence would have been a comfort. She cursed inwardly, her thoughts a tangled mess of doubts and anxieties. "Damn!"
• In an attempt to regain some semblance of control, Courtney cleared her throat.