Page 24 (1/2)

For Henry’s sake Carrie scoffed a laugh at her own soul’s sly treachery It wasn’t just for her baby’s sake, but her own She was finding it al without Théo now She wanted to be his wife, to sleep in his bed every night She wanted it

But how could she accept Théo’s tere for life? How could she bury her love for Théo deep inside her soul, so deep that he would never suspect?

It wasn’t in Carrie’s nature to keep a secret She had no talent for lying Especially since everyfor release

If she ain broken his only rule, he would despise her It could only end in despair Even if Théo ree, his manner toward her would always be distant, or worse—full of pity

Was that the ho father and a weeping, broken-hearted mother?

No matter how much she yearned to be Théo’s wife, she could not surrender to her desire Or to his constant, unrelenting pursuit

Pushing her breakfast tray aside, she rose from the bed and crossed the cool tile floor to the en suite bathroo, hot shower and closed her eyes, lost in thought and grief Co out of the steamy shower, her skin all flushed and pink, she hesitated over the clothes in her closet, then selected a simple sundress

She brushed her hair, allowing the dark waves to tumble over her shoulders to dry in the warm air She took her time—a novelty she hadn’t enjoyed since her baby was born She took a whole hour to herself, procrastinating as long as possible before she finally left her bedroo to herself, I do not love him I do not love him

Co into thein her sweet, slightly off-tune voice to the baby cuddled in one ar folded towels in the other Carrie smiled and opened her mouth to call out

Then she saw Théo at the bottom of the stairs

He was pacing, talking on the phone in rapid French He’d showered and was now dressed in a dark silk button-down shirt and black trousers He looked sophisticated, sexy He looked…coue

Suddenly she wished she’d made a little more effort Put on lipstick A push-up bra Gotten a neardrobe and ically lost ten pounds

Their eyes ave her a hot, dark sh her body He ended the call and ca for her hand, he kissed it

She smiled at him, then bit her lip “Why are you dressed like that?”

His dark eyes seared through her “I’ you out”