Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

The two children had just been taken upstairs by Stewart for their baths. By now, they were probably fast asleep.

Briony didn't disturb them. She went straight back to the master bedroom.

James didn't return until half past midnight.

There was a split on his lower lip and a bright red handprint on his cheek.

After settling the kids in for the night, Stewart went downstairs to prepare some medicine. When he came out of the kitchen, carrying the freshly brewed concoction, he ran right into James.

Stewart raised an eyebrow when he saw James's battered face.

Sometimes, men didn't need words-just a glance and everything was clear.

It was obvious: something had happened between James and Lorna.

Perhaps Stewart's amusement was a little too obvious, because James snapped, "What are you staring at? Never seen a handsome guy get roughed up by a woman before?"

Just then, footsteps echoed from behind him.

The so-called "ruffian" herself, Lorna, strolled in.

Compared to James, she looked almost untouched-except her lipstick was gone, there wasn't a hair out of place.

"James, stop tarnishing my reputation. You came on to me first," she shot back.

James growled, "You're twisting the

huh?" Lorna folded her arms, her tall, graceful figure leaning against the entryway cabinet. "Fine, since it

James was speechless.

voice low: "It's late. If you two want to flirt and bicker, keep

just gave a cheeky whistle as she passed James, heading straight upstairs to the guest room Briony had set aside for

up the stairs with the medicine. James called after

looked back. "Something

hesitated, not quite meeting his eyes. "I just wanted to ask... has

you want to know, you should ask her yourself. Lorna's

I want to ask her?" James huffed. "Forget it.

up."

obvious denial but didn't call him

were something a person had to figure

won't say a word,"

surprised,

some rest," Stewart added, turning and heading up to the

in Stewart's hand. After a moment of thought, he lowered his voice. "So, what's going on with you and Bryn? Did you

answered,

it a little inappropriate for you

here every day?"

as soon as Bryn

James sounded skeptical.