Chapter 23

I was ready for his accusations and anger. His words didn’t upset me. I just lay there calmly, meeting his furious, bewildered

stare.

“You’ve treated me well. You were always generous, perfectly polite–a true gentleman in every way. You just… never shared your work life with me or brought me around your friends.

“You simply… stopped loving me. But that doesn’t make you any less of a good husband or father.” My voice stayed even as I held his gaze, stating facts.

Jared’s eyes turned to stone. “That’s ridiculous,” he snapped. “Why would I have married you if I didn’t love you?”

I watched the color rise in his handsome face, his anger giving way to something closer to panic and guilt.

I sighed and closed my eyes. “You did love me once. But love doesn’t come with guarantees. Yours changed, and then faded. I could feel it.”

down with sudden force, his mouth claiming mine in a kiss that burned with anger. His usual tenderness was gone–this was a storm I couldn’t weather, his passion overwhelming me

moved with rough urgency, his eyes darkening with need. Pinned beneath him, I couldn’t resist–and after three months of

over me with urgent purpose, seeking the familiar responses that used to come so easily between us and some sign

myself to keep playing the wounded wife because I knew this marriage still had more to

me past 2 a.m., I gathered the sheets around my trembling body and retreated to the guest room, my hair disheveled and eyes

he’d broken his own rules tonight. By making the first move, he’d let down his guard- and that first touch might have just cost him the upper

showed me the truth–when I stopped caring and started focusing on myself, unexpected things

primitive need to

realized that a woman couldn’t afford to be gentle with men or love. She had to be tougher when necessary and walk away without hesitation

soon. I was still half–asleep when Yvonne came barreling in. “Mom!” she shouted, shaking me.

hear. My spoiling had made Yvonne forget all

from the doorway. “Yvonne, come out. Let your

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