Rush

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    This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the
     product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance
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    RUSH
    Copyright © 2013 by Maya Banks.
    Excerpt from
Fever
by Maya Banks copyright © 2013 by Maya Banks.
    Cover photo by Annkozar/Shutterstock. Cover design by Rita Frangie.
    Interior text design by Kristin del Rosario.
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    PUBLISHING HISTORY
    Berkley trade paperback edition / February 2013
    ISBN: 978-1-101-62036-6
    An application to register this book for cataloging has been submitted to the Library
     of Congress.

ALWAYS LEARNING
PEARSON

For my family, who was patient with me
while we were on vacation
and Mom had a new idea that wouldn’t leave her alone.
And to Kim, for listening when I told her
there was something I had to do asap and for making it happen.
To Lillie, for hanging with me every step of the way.
And finally, to Cindy, who went to bat for me in a huge way.

prologue
    “Mia, the doorman just buzzed to say a car is here for you,” Caroline called from
     the other room.
    Mia’s breath hiccupped, and she reached for the contract that was lying beside where
     she sat on the edge of the bed. It was slightly rumpled and was showing signs of wear
     for all the times she’d read over it.
    She’d memorized every word of it, and it played over and over in her mind. Along with
     it, images fired by her imagination. Of her and Gabe together. Him controlling and
     possessing her.
Owning
her.
    Shoving it into her purse, she stood and hurried to her dresser to look in the mirror
     one last time. She showed signs of little sleep. There were dark smudges under her
     eyes that makeup couldn’t disguise. Her color was off as well. Even her hair had refused
     to respond and had a rumpled look to it.
    There was little to do now except go.
    Taking a deep breath, she left her bedroom and walked through the living room toward
     the door.
    “Mia, wait!” Caroline said as she ran to where Mia held the door open.
    Caroline hugged her tightly and then stood back, her hand going to push Mia’s hair
     behind her ear.
    “Good luck, okay? You’ve not been yourself this entire weekend. If it’s stressing
     you out this much, don’t do it.”
    Mia smiled. “Thanks, Caro. Love you.”
    Caroline made an exaggerated smacking sound with her lips as Mia turned and left.
    When she left the building, the doorman opened the car door for her and ushered her
     inside. Mia leaned back against the comfortable leather seat and closed her eyes as
     the car pulled away, heading from her apartment on the Upper West Side to Midtown,
     where the HCM