“Because,” Nadine said, “you are facing off against a genuinely skilled opponent, and I intend for you to win. Distractions and doubts will only weaken you.” Her voice dropped to a silken panther’s purr. “You are mine, Harmony Black. No other will have you, and in the end, you will bend your knee to me and me alone. If some upstart thinks otherwise, it will be my great pleasure to correct them.”
