Danielle awoke the next morning feeling no better about their situation. After the fight with Petros, Brooklyn had carried her around the castle to her balcony and had spent the remaining hours till dawn holding her. She'd cried for an hour, and he'd allowed it, running his talons through her hair.

Just past four a.m. a text from Travis pinged on her phone, the message was clear.

"Your time's nearly up.

Meet me at Berney's Diner on Fifth at 9, sharp.

Don't keep me waiting."

Although Brooklyn was less than pleased with the thought of her seeing Travis alone, he'd finally given into her choice. He had turned to stone with his arms crossed and a frown firmly in place. His words rang in her ears as she took a seat in front of Travis. "Be safe, I love you."

Travis smiled, he'd anticipated she'd come alone, having always been independent. That's what had made cheating so easy, Danielle was always on her own path. "Hello Danni."

Though the smile on his face was enough to make her skin crawl, she smiled. "Good morning, Travis."

"I'm glad we could meet. We have so much to talk about, so much to plan."

Danielle reached for a menu and began reading it. "I suppose you would think so."

Travis slid a box across the table, though she didn't have to look to know what was inside. "You should wear it, after all our announcement will be in Sunday's paper."

This caused her to look up, meeting his gaze. "What the hell are you trying to prove here?"

He shrugged. "That I'm in control now. The firm fired me when you left and yet you're the one they begged to return. To add insult to injury, they required I do their bidding even though I had joined another firm three states away."

Danielle crossed her arms. "You could have said no."

His eyes narrowed. "I received a direct order. It's easy to manipulate the situation when the C.E.O.s of both companies are second cousins."

She scoffed. "That's not my fault! If you hadn't been taking whores to our bed…"

He laughed. "Someone had to see to the needs you weren't fit for."

Travis smirked as his statement rendered her speechless. It was a cold, and heartless move he knew, but not far from the truth as far as he was concerned. In ten years together, they'd made love less than once a month on average and for him her skills were less than perfect. Her career was the most important thing and she assumed he'd be content to ride her success forever.

Danielle reached for her purse. "We're done."

He laughed. "Far from it, I'm afraid." Their eyes locked. "You see, I've set our wedding date for six weeks from now, a bit shotgun for such business folks but when it's released that you've delivered our child in just ten months, well…"

Rage filled her. "You arrogant bast…"

A smirk spread across his face. "Well it's either that or I ruin your reputation, taking of course your detective friend along for the ride."

Danielle stood up. "You'll never get away with this."

"Is there a problem here?"

They turned to see Matt approaching their table, a to-go coffee in his right hand. Travis noticed his badge and smiled. "Not at all officer."

Matt stopped in front of them and frowned, taking notice of Danni's distressed state, as he slid in beside her. "It's detective, actually."

Danielle smiled and leaned over, pressing a peck to his left check before addressing Travis. "Matt Bluestone, Travis Baker." She smiled at her ex-lover. "Matt is a close friend."

Travis seemed to remember something and frowned. "Right, Bluestone, you're in charge of the gargoyle group."

Matt nodded. "Task force, yeah. I'm just off shift and couldn't help but see you upsetting my friend. I'd appreciate you giving her some breathing space for now."

Travis smirked, laying a five-dollar bill down even thought they hadn't ordered and stood, pushing the ring box towards her. "This isn't over."

Matt wrapped an arm around Danielle's shoulders, his heated stare never leaving Travis' gaze. "Don't we know it. Good day, sir."

With a frown Travis left, going straight for the door. As it closed Danni turned her attention to Matt as he sipped on his coffee. "Who told you?"

Sitting the cup down, Matt switched sides and took Travis' seat, facing her. "No one, but I did see you pull in and I couldn't help the curiosity."

Danielle nodded and let her gaze fall to the table, the ring box seemed to call out and reluctantly she opened it. To her amazement the ring itself was large, though she could tell the stones were poorly made fakes. With a sigh, she handed the box to Matt. "Figures."

He shrugged and closed the box. "Did you want it to be real?"

Danielle gaged, causing them to laugh. "God no! Though it may be the closest to a wedding band I ever come to wear."

Matt smiled. "Somehow, I think Brooklyn would find away to give you anything your heart desired. He's crazy about you."

"I know." Danielle met his gaze. "I love him too."

A solemn expression passed over Matt's face and he sighed. "Guess I should have known you'd be taken after the night you moved in. Hell, I didn't ever see the two of you apart for weeks."

The sincerity of his confession hit her, causing their gaze to meet. "I'm sorry Matt, I didn't…"

He held up a hand. "Don't sweat it. You're good for Brook, hell I've never seen him so happy." His hand lowered. "Question is, how are ya getting' out of this mess?"

Danielle smiled. "I've actually got another meeting this late afternoon. If all goes well, we'll have our answer."

Matt smiled. "Here's ta hopin'."