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.Although shaken, Steven appeared to be fine.She suspected Mark had held back.With the power she sensed coiled in his tight, muscular body, she had no doubt he couldhave broken more than Steven s jaw if he had wanted.Kill him, even.No.She had made her decision.She would not doubt him again. You ve just asked for a whole lot of trouble. Steven shook his fist in Mark sdirection. I m calling the police.Mark snorted a laugh. Ask for Detective Hunter.You met him before at the hospital.I m sure he ll be more than pleased to help you out.He can explain the defense ofprovocation to you.Steven stormed past them toward the door. You ve gone off the deep end, Kate.Look who you re associating with.You need stability in your life.You ve become a badinfluence on the kids.A bad mother. He threw on his jacket and stomped out the door,oblivious to his state of semi-undress. I m not giving up on you, even though you gaveup on me.You re mine, Kate.Mine. Kids in bed?Katy nodded. They liked you.You impressed them with your ability to play videogames and make sandwiches at the same time.A shadow of longing crossed his face, but in an instant it was gone. They re goodkids.Katy leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. Thanks for making dinner and helpingout this evening.I ve never been so exhausted in my life.Mark wrapped his arms around her waist. You should be in bed.I ll tuck you inbefore I leave.Katy stiffened and pulled away. What s wrong, sugar?She worried her bottom lip and looked up at him. I need to ask you something. Go ahead.Katy took a deep breath. Jimmy Rider.Ted told me someone& beat him to death.He studied her for a long moment before dropping his arms. You think it was me,he said quietly.Disappointment creased his face.Katy s heart pounded but she pressed on. No.But after you told me about yourpast&  She choked on her words. I had to ask.Mark tightened his jaw. You think I m still that person? The pain in his voice slicedthrough her like a knife.She took a step toward him, but this time he stepped away. Ishouldn t have told you, but I didn t want there to be any secrets between us.Looks likeeven that wasn t enough to earn your trust.Katy s stomach clenched. Mark& I  I didn t touch Jimmy.I couldn t find him.Even if I had, he might have suffered afew broken bones at the most. He grabbed his coat from the kitchen chair.Katy steppedin front of him, blocking his path to the door. I didn t believe Ted, she said in a firm voice. If I did, I would never have let youspend time with my children.And I m glad you told me about your past.My relationshipwith Steven was built on a foundation of lies.I appreciate your honesty more than youcould know. If you didn t believe Ted, why did you ask?Katy took a deep breath. I wanted to hear it from you.I didn t want to have anydoubts.I love you, Mark, and I never thought I d feel this way& ever.He didn t speak for the longest time.Finally he nodded toward the stairwell. Youshould get some rest.I ll see you upstairs and then I ll go.Nausea gripped Katy so hard she almost couldn t move.She opened her mouth,hoping to resolve the situation, but one look at Mark s taut, impassive face and she knewthere was nothing she could say to make it better.He followed her up the stairs and into her bedroom.As with the home office, she dredecorated after Steven left.The dark, wooden sleigh bed had been replaced with anairy, wrought iron frame.Freshly painted mauve walls matched the silk bedspread, and alight purple curtain brushed the newly polished wood floors.The scent of lilies from hergarden drifted in the open window.Her sanctuary. Okay, into bed with you. Will you stay? As hard as it was to ask, it would be harder to let him go.He shook his head. The last few days have been rough& for both of us.It s probablybest if we get some sleep. The firm rejection stung but the slight note of hesitation in hisvoice gave her hope.She reached behind him and locked the door. What are you doing? His low, husky voice told her he had some idea.She crossed the room and stood beside the bed.Gritting her teeth, she removed herclothing, piece by piece, until she stood naked before him.She pushed away everynegative thought she d ever had about herself, every snide remark Steven had ever madeand she lifted her eyes to his [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]