The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Thinking this through, Simone felt a little more at ease.

After all, Leonard had weathered more than his share of storms-schemes, traps, betrayals. There was no way this was catching him off guard. All she had to do was make sure she stayed safe.

She played along. “Can I speak to my brother now?"

The man dialed the number and waited. "Mr. Lerman? Your sister has something she wants to say to you." He pressed the phone to Simone's ear.

On the other end, Leonard immediately picked up on the tension. "Simone, who is this? What's happening over there?"

Simone rushed to explain, "Leonard, I've been kidnapped! He says you have half an hour to get here, or else—"

Before she could finish, the man abruptly hung up.

Simone stared, stunned. "I wasn't finished! Why'd you hang up?"

He shrugged. "Leaving things unsaid gets you the best results. What if your brother thinks it's not a big deal if you lose your innocence? What if he decides not to come?"

Simone's eyes flickered with uncertainty.

virgin, it was only because no one had

she met Joshua, before she even knew who he really was, she hadn't been entirely opposed to the idea of something happening between them. Now, seeing Joshua as her other half, Simone wanted her first time to be with him and no one else.

as perfect as Joshua deserved only the best

man said, "Miss Lerman, get some rest. I'll be

man returned, a look of feigned regret on

that Leonard might actually not

Lerman, Leonard

went pale. "No...

it! He'd never

maybe maybe the time isn't up yet!"

her protests. He yanked off the

light. When her vision cleared, she saw a menacing bronze mask. The man infront of her wore a voice modulator and a maşk, his imposing frame clad in an impeccably tailored suit. Everything about his manner radiated elegance and

still couldn't tell who

log. "Miss Lerman, do you see? Thirty minutes have

phone. Sure enough, half an hour had gone

it. "My brother must be here!

something else, but just then, a knock sounded at the