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

been entirely opposed to the idea of something happening between them. Now, seeing Joshua as her other

deserved only the best this world

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

a look of feigned regret on his

to Simone that Leonard might actually not come for

Leonard

went pale. "No...

He'd never abandon

the

protests.

menacing bronze mask. The man infront of her wore a voice modulator and a maşk, his imposing frame clad

couldn't tell who he

up the call log. "Miss Lerman, do you see? Thirty minutes

glanced at the phone. Sure enough, half an hour

shook her head, refusing to accept it. "My brother must be here! You're just saying he

say something else, but just then, a knock