/1/117643/coverbig.jpg?v=20260527161706)
e to a warmth sh
eight of an arm draped over her waist, the steady rhythm of a heartbeat against her back.
ught. She did
d of breaking the spell. He was still asleep. His features, usually a mask of cold indifference, were relaxed, almost peaceful. The harsh lines aroun
e, smelling of whiskey, his tie loosened, his expression weary. She had done what she always did-stayed out of his way-but something co
contact that sent a jolt through her. He drank the water, his d
urning point. A crack in th
gertip. The skin was rough with stubble. Real. This is real.
uld stop them, a whisper meant
, I lo
ttered. Then his
. Just a deep, bottomless cold that mirrored the Jan
g himself backward. The motion was so violent it threw her off balanc
confusion turning the
door slammed shut. A moment later, the sound of violent, retching heaves echoed into the silent bed
nd her legs felt cold. The warmth he had left behind was gone, replaced by a chilling
pened. Ernst emerged in a thick white robe, his hair damp, wiping his mouth wi
checkbook and a pen. The scratching sound of him writing filled the oppressive silence. He
he silk comforter-a stark whit
e was raw but utterly devoid of emotion. It w
wave of nausea, cold and bitter, washed over her. The number was an insult, a pa
ord was bare
bed, his presence overwhelming. He leaned over her, one
menacing. "To think you'd go this far. To drug me just to get pr
so preposterous, so vile-that h
er head. "It was just... just
anything handed to me by someone I don't trust. You know that. Last nig
not even as a person-a scheming, despicable creature. Every ounce of love she had poured into this mar
r shriveled and died. This marriage wasn't
man she had loved for a year-the man who had just share
rnst." Her voice was st
his expression darkened into something thunderous. His
op whenever you please?" he snarled, his face inches fr
. Why would he refuse? This
his lips. "Haley, remember your
nce. "I decide when this is over. Un
skin. He straightened his robe, his composure restored as if the outburst had never happened
ed shut-the sound as
umpled check lay on the bed like a tombstone for her h
e, did the tears begin to fall-silent a
acing the glass on the nightstand, turning to straighten the duvet for just a moment. And in that mo
ht lingered li
e been in the r
esperate for answers. But the seed of a question had

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