ence

e up to the empty half of the king-sized bed. The sheets beside

gainst the wood. The screen flashed

my dry throat, and

ing, Dr. A

through the receiver, ca

hope I'm no

I got out of bed and walked across

hings settled down, you wanted to finish your PhD.

gainst my ribs, my fingers

But I've been on leave

Florence. Besides, my sports PR firm, Alexander Consu

to become Francesco's invisible wife. I closed my eyes, flashing bac

e the opportunity," I said, my voic

es. Come to my Manhattan office ne

pulled out a tailored business suit I hadn't worn since graduation. I sat at the vanity and applied light makeup to c

nning the vacuum in the living room. She stoppe

oing?" she asked, speak

t her as I pick

he car around. I'm going to

esco's driver waited beside the black Maybach. He opened the rear door,

he leather seat. Wedged between the cushion

nature shade-the exact color she had

er's eyes darted away nervously,

m, th

lip gloss straight into the small trash bin

highway toward Long Island. Watching the city blur p

fore the central fountain. The estate butler opened my door. Taking a deep breath, I stepped up the stone st

ightly ajar. Low, tense voices drifted

le. Through the gap, I saw Francesco standing before

aid, his voice ringing clear through the glass