pping from his dark hair onto his shoulders. He saw Carla lying in bed, he

ng his face. "Why aren't you asleep? Don'

deliberate. She turned to face him, her gaz

words as he dried his hair with another

the dresser, rang. The screen

he walked out onto the balcony to take the call, his voice a low, gentle murmur tha

r another-was the final, crushing weight. It was

her posture rigid. The look in her eyes was one he'd never s

she did. "Darien Carlis

t my attention?" He strode toward her, his size and presence meant to intimidate. He cupped her c

their reality, that it snapped the last thread of her attachment. Sh

e air like glass. "My biggest mistake was marrying you,

o used to her compliance, her quiet endurance, that this open rebellion st

ring his composure. "You're not

ife in name only." She turned on h

l in their purpose. She took only the clothes she had brought with her into this marriage, a few books, her personal laptop. Any

amatic gesture. He expected her to break down, to st

di

. She went into the study and retrieved the pages from the printer tray-a divorce agreement she had drafted w

ets, she had clearly stated she would voluntar

you don't want your ex-girlfriend to just be a "third party" in your relationship, then resolve this situation

se rolling quietly behind her. As her hand closed a

e, exhilarating mix of fear and relief. "Jenelle,

t it click shut behind her, leaving the golde