the baby brunelli bargain.doc

7/27/2019 The Baby Brunelli Bargain.doc

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THE BRUNELLI BABY BARGAIN KIM LAWRENCE

CHAPTER ONE

Sam took a deep sustaii! "#eat$ ad mutte#ed% &'o&t "ott(e it o)%& to $e#se(* as s$e app#oa+$ed t$e

,ou! )oma )$o sat "e$id a (a#!e !(ass desk- Wit$ $e# "(ode $ai# ad $ou#!(ass *i!u#e t$e )oma

$ad t$e kid o* "eaut, t$at a()a,s att#a+ted me&s attetio-

'imiuti.e #ed$eads )it$ *#e+k(es% o t$e ot$e# $ad% )e#e ot so ui.e#sa((, (usted a*te#% at (east iSam&s e/pe#ie+e% a(t$ou!$ it $ad seemed *o# a )$i(e t$at Wi(( $ad t$ou!$t di**e#et(,0uti( t$e da, s$e

$ad )a(ked i ad *oud $e# e#st)$i(e *ia+e i "ed )it$ a "eauti*u( "(ode-

No#ma((, )$e Sam&s t$ou!$ts tou+$ed o t$is memo#a"(e o++asio s$e e/pe#ie+ed a )a.e o* ausea

t$at tu#ed $e# sesiti.e stoma+$ iside out% "ut ot t$is time- T$is time $e# stoma+$ )as a(#ead,

pa#a(,sed )it$ s$ee# te##o#-

He# e,e(as$es "#us$ed $e# +$eeks as s$e s1uee2ed $e# e,es +(osed ad took a se+od "#eat$% )i((i!$e# *#ati+a((, #a+i! $ea#t% )$i+$ *e(t as t$ou!$ it )e#e immiet(, a"out to "#eak t$#ou!$ $e# #i"+a!e%

to s(o)- S$e *o#+ed a smi(e3 i* a pe#so a+ted as t$ou!$ t$e, e/pe+ted to "e s$o) t$e doo#% t$e,p#o"a"(, )ou(d "e-

S$e $ad take se.e#a( $ou#s to a+$ie.e t$e appea#a+e o* someoe )$o mi!$t +oside# st#o((i! itot$e $ead1ua#te#s o* a mu(tiatioa( empi#e ad demadi! to see t$e ma )$o )as top o* t$e *ood

+$ai as somet$i! s$e did e.e#, da, o* t$e )eek% "ut% +at+$i! si!$t o* $e# #e*(e+tio i a mi##o#edpae( o t$e opposite )a((% s$e ke) $e# e**o#ts $ad "ee )asted-

T$is )as ot !oi! to )o#k-

I!o#i! t$e .oi+e o* pessimism% o# #at$e# #ea(it,% i $e# $ead% Sam pied t$e smi(e "a+k o ad

+(ea#ed $e# t$#oat- T$e soud att#a+ted t$e attetio o* t$e #e+eptioist% "ut o(, "#ie*(, "e+ause at t$at

e/a+t momet t$e !(ass (i*t doo#s to Sam&s (e*t si(et(, opeed to #e.ea( aot$e# "(ode% a ta((

.o(uptuous oe )ea#i! a .e#, sma(( #ed d#ess-

T$e !i#( "e$id t$e desk sta#ed ad so did Sam3 so a(so did t$e me )it$ +ame#as )$o $ad appea#ed

*#om o)$e#e as i* ", ma!i+-

T$e #a.is$i! "(ode seemed tota((, u*a2ed ", t$e *(as$ p$oto!#ap$, ad t$e .o((e, o* 1uestios t$epapa#a22i *(u! i $e# di#e+tio- S$e simp(, "a#ed $e# pe#*e+t teet$ i a "#i((iat smi(e ad p#o.ed t$at%e.e t$ou!$ s$e $ad made t$e t#asitio *#om mode((i! to Ho((,)ood% s$e sti(( ke) $o) to st#ut $e#

stu**- 4(aked ", t)o (a#!e mus+u(a# "od,!ua#ds% s$e !(ided t$#ou!$ t$e *o,e# pausi! o+e o# t)i+e

to !i.e t$e $u!#, p#ess a pose )$i(e #espodi! )it$ a ei!mati+ smi(e ad a +o,% &No +ommet%& to

t$ei# demads to ko) i* s$e ad Cesa#e )e#e "a+k to!et$e#-

As t$e doo# +(osed (ea.i! o(, t$e $ea., s+et o* t$e a+t#ess&s e/oti+ pe#*ume i t$e ai# Sam )as

)ode#i! mu+$ t$e same t$i!0ta(k a"out "ad timi!5 T$e (ast t$i! a, ma )ated to $ea# )as t$e

e)s s$e $ad +ome to de(i.e#% "ut s$e ima!ied t$at t$is )as dou"(, t#ue o* a ma )$o $ad 6ust "ee#e+o+i(ed )it$ t$e (o.e o* $is (i*e-

Sam si!$ed ad t#ied to pus$ t$e ima!e o* t$e a+t#ess *#om $e# $ead3 s$e )as&t $e#e to +ompete *o# t$e

Ita(ia&s attetio o# $is a**e+tios- S$e )as&t e.e s(i!$t(, ite#ested i Cesa#e B#ue((i&s (o.e (i*e ads$e $ad o )is$ to "e pa#t o* it% somet$i! s$e )ou(d make 1uite +(ea#-


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He# o(, #easo *o# "ei! $e#e )as simp(e7 te(( $im ad (ea.e- T$e "a(( )ou(d t$e "e i $is +ou#t ad

i* $e de+ided ot to pi+k it up t$e t$at )ou(d make (i*e a (ot simp(e#-

A(( s$e $ad to do )as te(( $im- It )as o) o# e.e#5

At t$e momet e.e# )as (ooki! p#ett, dam !ood5

S$e )i+ed as $e# desi!e# s$oes pi+$ed- T$e, $ad "ee a "a#!ai% "ut )e#e a(so a pai*u( $a(* a si2e

too sma((% t$ou!$ t$e +o*ide+e "oost t$e, !a.e $e# *a# out)ei!$ed a, dis+om*o#t-

&I&m --- & S$e stopped as s$e t#ied to it#odu+e $e#se(* to t$e )oma "e$id t$e desk% $e# mout$ ope%$e# +o*idet mae# )o""(i! ito pessimisti+ a/iet,-

W$at )as s$e meat to sa,8

I&m Sam% "ut t$at )o&t mea a,t$i!0,ou# "oss does&t ko) m, ame% $e does&t e.e ko) t$e

+o(ou# o* m, e,es% $e&s o"(i.ious to t$e *a+t I $a.e *#e+k(es% ad m, $ai# is !i!e#- But I t$ou!$t t$at

!i.e t$e +i#+umsta+es it )as o(, po(ite to (et $im ko) m, e)s *a+e to *a+e as opposed to some

mo#e impe#soa( met$od0I&m $a.i! $is "a",-

As s$e stood i t$e #e+eptio o* Cesa#e&s o**i+es% Sam t$ou!$t o* t$e di**e#e+es "et)ee a Ita(ia

"i((ioai#e ad a !i#( )$o 6u!!(ed $e# *ia+es ea+$ mot$- S$e $ad p#o"a"(, ea#ed (ess du#i! $e#

eti#e )o#ki! (i*e t$a Cesa#e did i a miute5 Sti((% t$i!s )e#e imp#o.i! p#o*essioa((,0s$e&d put i

*ou# ,ea#s o* u!(amo#ous )o#k o t$e (o+a( e)spape# i t$e S+ottis$ ma#ket to) )$e#e s$e $ad"ee "o#% maki! tea "e*o#e #isi! to +o.e# t$e )eddi!s ad +$u#+$ *etes- No)% *ia((,% $e# $a#d

)o#k $ad paid di.ideds ad s$e $ad (aded a 6o"% a(t$ou!$ a .e#, 6uio# oe% admitted(,% at a atioa(dai(, $e#e i Lodo-

&Yea$% t$i!s a#e "ette# t$a t$e, )e#e i m, da,%& t$e esta"(is$ed o(de# *ema(e 6ou#a(ist )$o $adtake $e# ude# $e# )i! $ad to(d $e#- &You $a.e ta(et% Sam%& s$e +o+eded% maki! Sam !(o) )it$

p#ide-

&But%& s$e )a#ed% &,ou eed to !i.e oe $ud#ed pe# +et i* ,ou )at peop(e to t$ik ,ou a#e se#ious

ad% )$i(e s+#up(es a#e&t a "ad t$i! e/a+t(,% ,ou eed to "e a "it mo#e --- *(e/i"(e- O$% ad it !oes)it$out sa,i! t$at t$e (ast t$i! ,ou )at at t$is poit i ,ou# +a#ee# is a $i!$0maitea+e

#e(atios$ip-& At t$is poit s$e $ad (au!$ed ad Sam $ad 6oied i- &O# a *ami(, --- p#o*essioa( sui+ide5&

Ba",5

Sam )as&t (au!$i! o) as s$e +oside#ed t$is e) ad *#ak(, s+a#, detou# i $e# $it$e#top#edi+ta"(e (i*e- S$e $ad "ee s+a#ed0s$e sti(( )as0"ut t$e#e $ad e.e# "ee a, to#tu#ed sou(0

sea#+$i!3 it $ad simp(, e.e# o++u##ed to $e# ot to $a.e t$is "a",-

Ude#eat$ t$e s+a#iess ad t$e pai+ t$e#e )as a deep0seated ad tota((, ie/p(i+a"(e *ee(i! o*

#i!$tess--- T$is )as ot a *ee(i! s$e ati+ipated t$e *at$e# o* $e# a++ideta( "a", )ou(d s$a#e- But

6ust "e+ause $e )ou(d&t )at a,t$i! to do )it$ t$e "a", did&t mea $e did&t $a.e t$e #i!$t to

ko)-

Sam $ad stee(ed $e#se(* *o# $is ie.ita"(e a!e# ad suspi+io t$at s$e $ad to(d $e#se(* )ou(d "e

o#ma( *o# a, ma i su+$ +i#+umsta+es- W$at )as (ess o#ma( )as t$e st#a!e sese o* ie#se#eit, s$e $ad tapped ito0a se#eit, s$e $ad&t ko) s$e possessed% a(t$ou!$ s$e a(so )ode#ed

)$et$e# it mi!$t 6ust "e a s,mptom o* de(a,ed s$o+k-


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A s$ak, si!$ (e*t $e# (u!s as Sam s$ook $e# $ead- S$e $ad o(, $ad a *o#ti!$t to !et used to t$e idea

ad it sti(( $ad&t *u((, suk i ,et0i *a+t t$e )$o(e situatio $ad a su##ea( 1ua(it,-

He# $ad )et to $e# "e((,% sti(( *(at ude# $e# 6a+ket ad $e# (ips +u#.ed ito a )#, smi(e- No dou"t t$eidea )ou(d sta#t to *ee( mo#e #ea( )$e $e# )aist(ie "e!a to e/pad-

S$e add#essed t$e !i#( "e$id t$e desk o+e mo#e- &I&m --- Samat$a Mui# ad --- &

T$e !i#( (ooki! s(i!$t(, "o#ed o) t$e a+t#ess ad $e# ois, etou#a!e $ad (e*t% (i*ted t$e p$oe s$e

Sam "(iked- T$is )as ot t$e )a, a, o* $e# meta( .e#sios o* t$is s+ee $ad p(a,ed-

T$e s$oes must #ea((, $a.e )o#ked5

T$e s$oes i 1uestio )e#e at t$at momet ai(ed to t$e *(oo#- S$e +ou(d&t mo.e% s$e )as so s$o+kedat ot e.e $a.i! $e# idetit, 1ue#ied o# t$e #easo *o# $e# .isit 1uestioed-

&4i#st (e*t8& s$e e+$oed% i)a#d(, )ode#i! )$, s$e )as sti(( stadi! t$e#e- T$e )oma )ated $e# to

!o t$#ou!$ t$at doo#% s$e )as&t to ko) Sam did&t $a.e a appoitmet so s$e s$ou(d&t ude# a,+i#+umsta+es .o(utee# t$e i*o#matio-

W$at )as $o(di! $e# "a+k8 T$ose i+o.eiet s+#up(es% t$at a)*u( +ompu(sio to te(( t$e t#ut$ i

momets )$e a )$ite (ie o# si(e+e )o#ked mu+$ "ette#% o# simp(, !ut(ess *ea#8

Wit$ a $it o* impatie+e t$e #e+eptioist odded ad )a.ed (o! #edpaited ai(s i t$e di#e+tio o*

t$e doo# "e*o#e tu#i! $e# attetio "a+k to t$e p$oe-

T$is is too eas,% pe#sisted t$e .oi+e o* suspi+io i Sam&s $ead-

&Eas, is !ood%& Sam #eto#ted ude# $e# "#eat$- I* t$is )as a +ase o* +#ossed )i#es it )as )o#ki! to $e#ad.ata!e so s$e&d "e a dope ot to !o )it$ t$e *(o)- S$e (i*ted $e# +$i ad o+e a!ai *i/ed a

+o*idet smi(e o $e# pa(e *a+e0s$e )as tappi! ito p#e.ious(, ue/pe+ted a+ti! ta(etsad )a(kedt$#ou!$ t$e doo# )it$out ko+ki!-

It )as a "it o* a ati+(ima/% as t$e #oom s$e *oud $e#se(* i )as ot (a#!e- T$e o(, *u#itu#e )as asma(( desk i oe +o#e# ad some eas, +$ai#s set a(o! oe )a((- A doo# "eside t$e desk opeed ad a

s(im t$i#t,somet$i! ma )it$ t$ii! sad, $ai# ad a $a#assed mae# )a(ked i% t$e d#opped t$e

*i(e o* pape#s $e )as $o(di! )$e $e sa) $e#-

&Youe a )oma-&

Ude# o#ma( +i#+umsta+es Sam )ou(d $a.e #espoded to t$is a++usatio% "e+ause it )as de*iite(,

a a++usatio% )it$ i#oi+ $umou#- But $umou# ad i#o, )e#e "ot$ "e,od $e# at t$e momet-

Istead s$e odded +autious(, ad said% &He((o% I&m Sam Mui# ad I&d (ike0&

&Sam5& He s(apped a $ad to $is *o#e$ead ad !#oaed- &T$at e/p(ais it% o* +ou#se- Ad 6ust )$e It$ou!$t t$at t$is da, +ou(d&t !et a, )o#se-&

Sam% *ee(i! i+#easi!(, "e)i(de#ed% !a.e aot$e# .a!ue od- &I&m $e#e to see M# B#ue((i --- 8&


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As s$e spoke $e# meta( "a##ie# s(ipped ad a da#k ima!e *(i+ke#ed a+#oss $e# #etia- T$e "(u##, (ies

so(idi*ied ito *eatu#es uti( s$e +ou(d see ea+$ st#o!(, s+u(pted (ie ad idi.idua( a!(e o* Cesa#e

B#ue((i&s *a+e-

It seemed ama2i! o) t$at s$e $ad $ad o p#e+o!itio o* da!e# t$e *i#st time s$e $ad (ooked ito

t$e *a+e o* t$e ta(( ma )$o $ad to)e#ed o.e# $e#-

T$e impa+t o* $is "eaut, $ad "ee (ike a p$,si+a( "(o) d#a)i! t$e "#eat$ *#om $e# "u#i! (u!s (ike

t$e $eat *#om a *u#a+e "ei! d#a) ito a .a+uum-

S$e $ad "ee dim(, +os+ious o* emotios deep iside $e# sti##i!% "#eaki! *#ee o* se(*0imposed

#est#aits% "ut $ad *e(t st#a!e(, dis+oe+ted *#om )$at $ad "ee $appei! to $e#- He# iate a"i(it,

to dista+e $e#se(* emotioa((, ad aa(,se )$at s$e )as doi! ad )$, $ad dese#ted $e# tota((,- O*

+ou#se s$e $ad&t #e+o!ised t$is uti( it $ad "ee too (ate0t$e dama!e $ad "ee doe5

W$e s$e $ad "ee )it$ $im s$e $ad&t "ee a"(e to +ot#o( $e# poudi! $ea#t"eat% t$e )eakess i

$e# s$aki! (im"s o# t$e "u#i! $eat t$at $ad )as$ed o.e# $e# ski-

It )as&t 6ust t$e ste# s,mmet#, ad po)e#*u( p(aes o* $is "#o2ed pat#i+ia *eatu#es% o# t$e +u#.e o*$is mout$% it )as o idi.idua( *eatu#e "ut t$e +om"iatio t$at made $im so "eauti*u(-

E.e o)% t)e(.e )eeks (ate#% t$e memo#, o* $is *a+e made Sam&s t$#oat a+$e% "ut o) s$e +ou(d

t$ik a"out $e# #ea+tio ad )$at $ad $appeed (ate# mo#e o"6e+ti.e(,-

S$e +ou(d ot de, $e )as a !ood0(ooki! ma )$o possessed a a##o!at se/ua(it, s$e )as ot

tota((, immue to% "ut )$at $ad $appeed $ad "ee t$e #esu(t o* a *#eak set o* +i#+umsta+es #at$e#t$a a,t$i! mo#e mometous-

He )ou(d p#o"a"(, tu# out to "e 1uite o#dia#,% s$e t$ou!$t- S$e&d p#o"a"(, 6ust "ui(t $im up i $e#mid ito somet$i! e/t#ao#dia#, to de*ed $e# o) "e$a.iou# "e+ause ot$i! s$o#t o* a #ampat%

i##esisti"(e se/ !od +ou(d "e #esposi"(e *o# $e# *a(( *#om !#a+e- S$e )as (ooki! *o# e/+uses-

W$e#eas t$e p(ai t#ut$ )as t$e#e )e#e o e/+uses3 s$e&d "ee #e+k(ess ad stupid- S$e&d $ad a momet

o* )eakess0a+tua((, a eti#e i!$t o* )eakess% "ut t$is )as somet$i! s$e +$ose ot to d)e(( o0ad o) s$e $ad to (i.e )it$ it-

S$e )ou(d p#o"a"(, see $im ad dis+o.e# $e "o#e o #esem"(a+e to $e# #omati+ised ima!e o* a"#oodi!% dama!ed $e#o i eed o* +om*o#t t$at o(, s$e +ou(d !i.e-

9ui+k(, s$e s$ied a)a, *#om t$e su"6e+t o* !i.i! ad tu#ed $e# t$ou!$ts istead to t$e p#eset-'#a!!i! $e# attetio "a+k to t$e sad,$ai#ed ,ou! ma% s$e oti+ed $e )as #i*(i! t$#ou!$ some

pape#s $e o) $ad i $is $ad-

&T$is mi!$t "e a p#o"(em --- It (ooks (ike ,ou# C: $as !oe )a(ka"out too% m, God5& $e e/+(aimed i

dis!ust- &T$at )oma #ea((, )as a tota( (ia"i(it,5& He put aside t$e pape#s ad !(a+ed up at Sam%

addi! as a apo(o!eti+ a*te#t$ou!$t% &So##,% it&s ot ,ou# *au(t-&

A+tua((, it )as-

A *#es$ )a.e o* dis!ust ad s$ame )as$ed o.e# Sam-

W$o e(se )as t$e#e to "(ame8 S$e&d kissed Cesa#e *i#st% kissed a tota( st#a!e#-


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T$e memo#, o* $im )as ide(i"(, stamped ito $e# +os+iousesst$e )a, $is *a+e $ad "ee

i((umiated ", t$e sudde *(as$ o* )$ite (i!$ti! outside t$e )ido)% ad t$e )a, t$i!s $ad t)isted

pai*u((, i $e# +$est )$e s$e $ad see t$e te##i"(e "(eakess t$at $ad s$oe deep i $is i+#edi"(ee,es ad t$e utte# *#ust#atio stamped o $is da#k *eatu#es-

Ua"(e to .oi+e t$e )o#ds o* +om*o#t% ua"(e to *o#+e a, soud "esides a +$oki! si!$ past t$eemotioa( +o!estio i $e# t$#oat% s$e $ad istead #ea+$ed out ad take $is *a+e "et)ee $e# $ads-

T$e a+tios $ad "ee spotaeous% ad% s$e $ad #ea(ised a(most immediate(,% a mistake- He $adsti**eed at t$e tou+$ o* $e# mout$% $is o) (ips #emaii! u#esposi.e ude# t$e p#essu#e o* $e#s-

Kissi! a !o#!eous ma )$o did&t )at to "e kissed mi!$t "e somet$i! t$at a, um"e# o* )ome

$e# a!e +ou(d (au!$ o** )it$ a s$#u!% "ut Sam did ot possess t$at ski((-

S$e $ad&t )ated to (au!$3 s$e&d )ated to die *#om s$ee# mo#ti*i+atio- S$e $ad sta#ted to (i*t $e#

$ead% sta#ted to mutte# a mo#ti*ied apo(o!,% ad )ou(d $a.e #emo.ed $e# $ads $ad $is o) *i!e#s ot

+ome up to +o.e# $e#s ad $o(d t$em a!aist $is *a+e-

Sam&s $ea#t t$udded a!ai as s$e #emem"e#ed $is *i!e#s ta!(i! i $e#s% t$e *ie mus+(es a(o! $is6a) tesi!% $is ost#i(s *(a#i! as $e s(u##ed somet$i! t$i+k i $is o) (a!ua!e-

S$e $ad *e(t #at$e# t$a $ea#d t$e !#oa t$at $ad seemed to "e d#a!!ed *#om deep iside $im "e*o#e

"ei! (ost i $e# mout$-

S$e $ad sta#ted it5

It )as a"so(ute(, o e/+use t$at $e $ad (ooked as i* $e eeded kissi!-

O* +ou#se% i* $e $ad&t kissed $e# "a+k ad t$e sto#m $ad&t ko+ked out t$e e(e+t#i+it, --- t$e#e )ou(d$a.e "ee o p#o"(em- No p#o"(em% o s+a(di! s$ame ad o "a",5

S$e "it do) $a#d o $e# (ip ad su"dued t$e ima!es t$at #ose s$ame*u( ad !#ap$i+ i $e# $ead--- It

$ad $appeed ad it )as p#ett, poit(ess !i.e t$e +ose1ue+es i p#etedi! it $ad&t% "ut ot$i!

+ou(d "e a+$ie.ed ", ed(ess post0mo#tems-

Tesio d#a)i! t$e so*t (ies o* $e# pa(e *a+e taut% $e# $ad )et u+os+ious(, to $e# stoma+$- He

)ou(d ot )at to ko)% )$i+$ suited $e# *ie- S$e +ou(d )a(k out o* t$e doo# ko)i! t$at s$e $ad

doe t$e #i!$t t$i!-

&Is M# B#ue((i a+tua((, $e#e8& s$e asked- Ha(* o* $e# )ated t$e as)e# to "e e!ati.e-

T$e ma si!$ed% $is !(a+e s)i.e((i! si!i*i+at(, to)a#ds t$e doo# "e$id $im "e*o#e $e odded ad"e(ated(, it#odu+ed $imse(*- &I&m Tim Ad#e)s- Ca(( me Tim%& $e added )it$ a eas,0!oi! smi(e-

A*te# a $esitatio Sam took t$e $ad $e e/teded% $e# !a2e s(idi! to t$e doo#- I* s$e mo.ed 1ui+k(,s$e +ou(d "e t$#ou!$ it "e*o#e t$is i+e ma +ou(d stop $e#-

&Youe s$aki!%& t$e ma said sudde(,% +o+e# #ep(a+i! t$e $a#assed e/p#essio o $is *a+e as Sampu((ed $e# $ad a)a,-

S$e t$#ust $e# $ads i t$e po+kets o* $e# 6a+ket ad to(d $e#se(* to #e(a/- W$at )as t$e )o#st t$e,

+ou(d do8 To "e *o#+i"(, e6e+ted ", Se+u#it, )ou(d "e a e) e/pe#ie+e- A(t$ou!$ $e# (ast e)

e/pe#ie+e $ad ot tu#ed out so )e((% $o)e.e# "(iss*u((, pe#*e+t it $ad "ee at t$e time-


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&I&.e +ome a (o! )a, to see M# B#ue((i-& It $ad a+tua((, 6ust "ee a +oup(e o* Tu"e #ides% "ut s$e sa)

o $a#m i e/a!!e#atio !i.e t$e +i#+umsta+es- &Ad I ot (ea.i! uti( I do- I mea it-& Sam

)is$ed s$e *e(t $a(* as #eso(.ed as s$e souded-

T$e#e )as a sta#t(ed pause "e*o#e Tim said% &I "e(ie.e ,ou-&

I )is$ I did% s$e t$ou!$t-

&I&(( do )$at I +a "ut- -- & He !a.e a s$#u! t$at to(d $e# to "e p#epa#ed to "e disappoited- &Wou(d ,ou(ike to take a seat8&

Sam% )$o )ou(d $a.e 1uite (iked to "e some)$e#e e(se0a,)$e#e e(se0)a(ked to oe o* t$e +$ai#s set

a!aist t$e )a(( ad sat do)-

A*te# a tap o t$e di.idi! doo# Tim Ad#e)s )a(ked t$#ou!$-

4#om )$e#e s$e )as sitti! Sam +ou(d $ea# t$e soud o* #aised .oi+es% o# at (east oe a,)a,% ad t$at

)as t$e o(, oe s$e )as $ea#i!- It "#ou!$t it a(( "a+k )it$ a #us$% o# )ou(d $a.e i* s$e $ad ot

ste#(, pus$ed it a)a,% )$i+$ )as&t eas, )$e t$e o)e# o* t$e deep% !#a.e((,% a++eted toe )asstadi! o t$e ot$e# side o* t$at )a((-

Pe#$aps s$e&d "ee )#o! to opt *o# t$e pe#soa( tou+$0a (ette# o# a emai(% i *a+t a,t$i! t$at did ot

"#i! $e# ito p$,si+a( +ota+t )it$ t$is ma% mi!$t $a.e "ee "ette#-

It )as&t as i* s$e $ad a,t$i! to p#o.e to a,oe e(se o# $e#se(*-

Sam )as&t +os+ious o* !etti! to $e# *eet o# +#ossi! t$e #oom% "ut s$e must $a.e "e+ause t$e e/t

t$i! s$e ke) s$e )as stadi! i t$e ope doo#)a,-

T$e #oom "e,od )as .ast% "ut Sam )as o"(i.ious to t$e oak pae((i! ad )a(( o* !(ass t$at *#amed a

.ie) o* t$e #i.e#- He# !(a+e o(, skimmed t$e e+(e+ti+ mi/ o* mode# desi!e# ad ati1ue *u#itu#e"e*o#e !oi! st#ai!$t to t$e ta((% (ea% "#oad0s$ou(de#ed *i!u#e stadi! )it$ $is "a+k to $e#-

He tu#ed $is $ead s(i!$t(,% #e.ea(i! t$e $i!$% ite((i!et *o#e$ead% st#o! (ie o* a a1ui(ie ose ad

t$e s(i!$t(, s1ua#ed a!(e o* a *i#m s$a.e 6a)-

T$e ma s$e $ad spet t$e i!$t )it$ $ad )o# $is $ai# +o((a#0(e!t$ ad $is 6a) $ad "ee +o.e#ed i

stu""(e- He $ad "ee #a) ad ea#t$,% as e(emeta( as t$e sto#m t$at $ad #a!ed outside as t$e, $ad made

(o.e-

T$is ma $ad a smoot$ 6a) (ie ad $is $ai# )as +ut +(ose to $is $ead-

Casua( ad +#ump(ed 6eas $ad "ee #ep(a+ed ", a "eauti*u((, tai(o#ed !#e, suit t$at s$#ieked desi!e#-He (ooked t$e epitome o* mas+u(ie e(e!a+e ad sop$isti+atio-

Sudde(, t$is did&t *ee( (ike a po(ite *o#ma(it,0it *e(t (ike a ma6o# mistake- Sam )as !#ipped ", au#!et ad p#imiti.e +ompu(sio to tu# ad #u% ad s$e )ou(d $a.e o"e,ed t$is isti+t i* $e# (e!s o#

*o# t$at matte# a, ot$e# pa#ts o* $e# "od,% $ad s$o) a, i+(iatio to *o((o) ist#u+tios-

&S$a(( I s$ut t$e doo#8 S$e&s out t$e#e ad0&

&No% (ea.e it ope- Cadi+e does ot ude#stad t$e +o+ept o* (ess is mo#e )$e it +omes to pe#*ume-&


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As Sam sa) Cesa#e&s a#isto+#ati+ ose )#ik(e i distaste s$e )ode#ed i* t$is disp(a, )as (ess to do

)it$ !euie #epu!a+e to t$e e/oti+ s+et ad mo#e to do )it$ t$e pe#so it #emided $im o*-

'id it 6ust "#i! memo#ies o* $is time )it$ Cadi+e *(oodi! "a+k o# *i(( $im )it$ $e(p(ess (o!i!8

Neit$e# possi"i(it, made Sam *ee( pa#ti+u(a#(, +$ee#*u(- E.e# si+e s$e&d #ead a e)spape# a#ti+(e o

Cesa#e&s #e(atios$ip )it$ Cadi+e% Sam $ad "ee )ode#i! i* it $ad "ee t$e "eauti*u( a+t#ess&s *a+e$e $ad "ee seei! i $is $ead )$e $e $ad made (o.e to $e#- 4o# a(( Sam ke) t$ose (i1uid Ita(ia

edea#mets t$at $ad me(ted $e# mi!$t $a.e "ee iteded *o# someoe 1uite di**e#et% someoe )$o#ea((, )as $is "e((a mia% $is "eauti*u( "(ode e/0*ia+ee0e/+ept0o) t$e e/ pa#t )as i 1uestio-

&Look% I so##, a"out Cadi+e "ut s$e0&

&T$e#e is o eed to e/p(ai Cadi+e to me% Tim0s$e is sesatioa((, si!(e mided )$e s$e de+ides

o somet$i!- I take it t$e e)s o* $e# p#ese+e $e#e )as (eaked8&

T$e s(i!$te# ma #espoded to t$is d#, e1ui#, )it$ a #ue*u( !#ima+e- &I&m a*#aid so-&

&S$e )as e.e# oe to )aste a !ood p$oto oppo#tuit,-&

&A"out t$is !i#(% Cesa#e% s$e&s t#a.e((ed to !et $e#e0+ou(d&t ,ou 6ust see $e#8 You do&t $a.e to a+tua((,

!i.e $e# t$e 6o"-&

As Sam (isteed s$e *ia((, ude#stood t$e #easo *o# t$e ope doo#s t$at s$e $ad so *a# e+oute#ed0

t$e, t$ou!$t s$e )as a app(i+at *o# a 6o"5

T$is #ea(isatio mi!$t $a.e made $e# (au!$ i* it $ad ot "ee *o# t$e *a+t t$at t$e o(, t$i! Sam )as

#ea((, +os+ious o* at t$at momet )as t$e ma )$o #espoded to t$is +oa/i! +ommet *#om Tim

)it$ a +otemptuous so#t-

;ust $e# (u+k it tu#ed out Cesa#e a+tua((, )as a #ampat se/ !od5

&I )as 1uite spe+i*i+ I do ot )at a *ema(e P A-&

&We((% t$e a!e+, +ou(d&t sa, t$at% +ou(d t$e,8 Not )it$out "ei! a++used o* se/ua( dis+#imiatio-&

&So t$is is )$, a )oma )as i+(uded i t$e s$o#t(ist8 To pa, (ip se#.i+e to e1ua(it,8&

S$e )at+$ed as Cesa#e B#ue((i )a(ked a#oud t$e desk% $is *a+e set i (ies o* i##itatio% t$e )it$outtaki! $is e,es *#om t$e ot$e# ma $e pi+ked up a smoot$ !#ee #o+k s$ot t$#ou!$ )it$ i#ides+et

st#eaks o* !o(d ad "e!a to #u" it "et)ee $is pa(ms-

Sam% $e# e,es !(ued to $is (o! "#o) *i!e#s% #a a to!ue o.e# $e# d#, (ips as $e# stoma+$ *i((ed )it$

a *(o+k o* "utte#*(ies at t$e t$ou!$t o* t$ose *i!e#s o $e# ski% t$e ski(*u( tou+$ (ea.i! t#ai(s o* *i#e-

&Is t$at t$e same stoe ,ou "#ou!$t "a+k *#om t$e peak )$e )e did t$at Hima(a,a t#ek8&

&Yes-& As $e (et t$e stoe sett(e i t$e pa(m o* oe $ad Cesa#e&s e/p#essio )as u#eada"(e-

It )as o st#u!!(e *o# Sam to see $im +(i!i! to some s$ee# +(i** *a+e- He (ooked (ike a ma )$o (iked

to pus$ t$e "ouda#ies ad $imse(*-


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&T$at )as some e/pe#ie+e% )as&t it8& Tim et$used% a !#i sp#eadi! a+#oss $is *a+e- &E.e i* I did&t

make it to t$e top%& $e added #ue*u((,- &But e/t time I&m ot !oi! to +$i+ke out- I&m !oi! to keep up

)it$ t$e "i! "o,s- T$e I&(( see t$e .ie) *o# m,se(*-&

T$e soud o* t$e stoe "ei! set "a+k do) o t$e desk "#ou!$t t$e sad,0$ai#ed E!(is$ma&s e,es to

t$e ta(( Ita(ia&s *a+e-

&But I )i(( ot-&

T$e momet t$e )o#ds )e#e out o* $is mout$ Cesa#e #e!#etted t$em-

He dis(iked se(*0pit, i ot$e#s ad e.e mo#e so i $imse(*-

Co(ou# *(ooded Tim&s *a+e- &I&m #ea((, so##,- I +a&t seem to ope m, mout$ )it$out0&

&Sa,i! somet$i! to #emid me t$at I&m "(id8 T$e *a+t ,ou *o#!et it is )$, I keep ,ou a#oud- T$at

ad t$e *a+t ,ou# s+$oo("o,is$ (ooks (u(( t$e oppositio ito a *a(se sese o* se+u#it,- Youe a"out t$e

o(, pe#so )$o does&t )a(k o e!!s$e((s a#oud me-&

T$e#e $ad "ee oe ot$e#-

Cesa#e +(osed $is e,es% "ut it did ot stop $im $ea#i! $e# .oi+e i $is $ead- Sometimes $e t$ou!$t s$e

$ad "ee a e#oti+ *i!met o* $is ima!iatio% "ut $is ima!iatio )ou(d ot $a.e "ee +apa"(e o*

+o6u#i! su+$ .i.id memo#ies- He $ea#d $e# .oi+e sa,i! t$i!s t$at o"od, e(se $ad da#ed% "ut e.e#,

)o#d ad e.e#, a++usatio $ad "ee t#ue-

&Gut(ess )ode#& $ad pe#$aps "ee a (itt(e $a#s$% "ut a *(i+ke# o* a smi(e +#ossed $is *a+e at t$e

#e+o((e+tio0$is #espose at t$e time o* $e# +ommets $ad ot "ee su+$ a to(e#at o# o"6e+ti.e oe-

S$e $ad "e+ome t$e io+et0t$ou!$ p#o.o+ati.e0*o+us o* a(( t$e ie# #a!e ad impotet *u#, t$at

+osumed $im-

His e#.e edi!s $ad "ee e/posed ad st#ipped "a#e0pe#$aps 6ust ", $e# .oi+e- T$e $usk, 1ua(it,

+e#tai(, $ad t$e a"i(it, to di! its )a, ude# a ma&s ski-

S$e $ad said t$i!s t$at o"od, e(se )ou(d% t$i!s t$at $ad eeded sa,i!- S$e $ad #ipped a)a, $is

de*e+es )it$ a *e) o"se#.atios ad made $im *ee( )$at $e $ad "ee t#,i! ot to0pai5

S$e $ad tapped ito t$e p#ote+ti.e $o((o)ess t$at $e $ad "ee +a##,i! a#oud-

T$e se/ $ad "ee somet$i! e(se0a mistake% "ut t$e so#t t$at $e )ou(d (ike to make a!ai% $e mused% a

#e*(e+ti.e smi(e p(a,i! a#oud t$e +o#e#s o* $is (ips-

&Peop(e a()a,s )a(k o e!!s$e((s a#oud ,ou%& Tim #eto#ted% sappi! Cesa#e out o* $is #e.e#ie%

&"e+ause ,ou itimidate t$e $e(( out o* t$em-& T$at mu+$ at (east $ad ot +$a!ed si+e t$e a++idet-

&Youe su!!esti! I&m ot a *ai# ma8 T$at I&m a "u((,8& Cesa#e asked% soudi! ite#ested #at$e# t$ao**eded ", t$e possi"i(it,-

&I&m su!!esti! ,oue a ma )$o sets $imse(* $i!$ stada#ds ad e/pe+ts ot$e#s to (i.e up to t$em% "utot e.e#,oe $as ,ou#0*o+us-&


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It $ad take mo#e t$a me#e *o+us *o# Cesa#e to o.e#+ome t$e pe#soa( demos t$at $ad a#ise a*te#

$e&d su**e#ed (osi! $is si!$t-

It $ad take a )i(( o* stee(-

&A" $i - < 8&

out t IS !## ----

Cesa#e&s *i!e#s d#i((ed a impatiet tattoo o t$e desk- &You ko) m, opiio o* t$is so#t o* poit(ess

po(iti+a( +o##e+tess% so )$, )aste t$is )oma&s time ad mie8&

&S$e )as i+(uded ", mistake% $e# ame is Sam --- & Tim&s e/p(aatio t#ai(ed a)a, as $e added

+oa/i!(,% &Cou(d&t ,ou 6ust see $e#8& T$e momet t$e )o#ds (e*t $is (ips a *(us$ mouted $is *ai#%*#e+k(ed *a+e ad $e "#oke o** "e*o#e sa,i! a)k)a#d(,% &I mea --- &

Cesa#e (i*ted a sa#doi+ "#o)- &I ko) )$at ,ou mea% Timot$,%& $e said% amusemet i $is .oi+e- &Ad

I do )is$ ,ou )ou(d stop t#,i! so $a#d to spa#e m, *ee(i!s- But% o% I )i(( ot- -- see $e#- I +a $a#d(,

"e a++used o*

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THE BRUNELLI BABY BARGAIN KIM LAWRENCE MILLS AN' BOON


10/120

S$e $ad *a((e deep ad despe#ate(, i (ust )it$ t$is ma a"out te se+ods a*te# s$e&d set e,es o $im-

Lust $ad made $e# p#i+ip(es ad se(*#espe+t .ais$ i a $ot *(as$ o* idis+#imiati! $o#moes ---



But (o.e )as a .e#, di**e#et kid o* "east3 (o.e "o#e o #esem"(a+e to a "o(t o* (i!$ti! t$at #o""ed,ou o* ,ou# a"i(it, to t$ik3 (o.e )as&t a"out +$emi+a(s3 it $appeed !#adua((,% it !#e) i st#e!t$ ad

it edu#ed-

Lust% o t$e ot$e# $ad% )as made o* mu+$ mo#e *(ims, mate#ia(- It $ad o sta,i! po)e# --- )$i+$ )as

)$, Sam +ou(d (ook at Cesa#e o) ad *ee( ot$i! "ut --- o$% God% (ooki! at $im )as ot a !oodidea5

T$e soud o* $e# .oi+e made "ot$ me tu# t$ei# $eads III $e# di#e+tio ad Sam )as *o#+ed to #apid(,#e0e.a(uate t$e sta,i! po)e# o* $e# (ust-

T$e $o#moes )e#e sti(( t$e#e ad a+ti.e5

S$e ke) Cesa#e +ou(d&t see $e# "ut it *e(t as t$ou!$ $e )e#e sta#i! #i!$t at $e#-

Sam&s $ea#t )as pumpi! so *ast s$e +ou(d $a#d(, d#a! ai# ito $e# (u!s-

Cesa#e (ooked so di**e#et- Wou(d $e s$#u! o** t$e .eee# o* +u(tu#ed sop$isti+atio as easi(, as $e

mi!$t s$#u! t$at impe++a"(, tai(o#ed 6a+ket o.e# $is "#oad s$ou(de#s --- 8

We((% s$e )as&t !oi! to $a! a#oud to *id out% Sam #emided $e#se(* as t$e ima!e o* Cesa#e i $e#$ead "e!a to s$ed mo#e t$a $is 6a+ket5

&I&m ot $e#e a"out t$e 6o"% M# B#ue((i-& Ad s$e )as&t $e#e to (ust a*te# $is "od,- Lusti! )as )$at

$ad !ot $e# i t$is mess to "e!i )it$5

His i+#edi"(e e,es% s(oe0da#k ad *#amed ", p#eposte#ous(, (o!% +u#(i! e"o, (as$es% )e#e t#aied

di#e+t(, o $e# *a+e- Sam *e(t as i* t$at pie#+i! sta#e )e#e seei!% ot 6ust $e# *a+e% "ut t$e t$ou!$ts i$e# $ead% ad as t$ese t$ou!$ts i.o(.ed $im )ea#i! .e#, (itt(e it )as a deep(, distu#"i! *ee(i!-

Cesa#e sti((ed% $is $ads +(e+$i! ito *ists at $is sides as t$e deep (itt(e .oi+e )it$ t$e ui1ue $usk,#esoa+e $it $im (ike a s(ap i t$e *a+e-




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It )as "a+k5

Cesa#e&s deep :OI+e +ut t$#ou!$ t$e st#et+$i! si(e+e- &Lea.e us%

Tim-&

Tim% )$o )as )a(ki! a+#oss t$e #oom to Sam% stopped i $is t#a+ks at t$e +u#t #e1uest- Cesa#e +ou(d

*ee( t$e ot$e# ma&s astois$ed sta#e% "ut i!o#ed it-

&Lea.e ,ou8& Tim e+$oed as i* $e +ou(d&t 1uite "e(ie.e )$at $e )as $ea#i!- His !(a+e s(id to Sam-

&Wit$ $e#8&

&Yes-& Oe +o#e# o* Cesa#e&s mout$ (i*ted ad $e sket+$ed a sa#doi+

smi(e-

Sam&s sese o* ise+u#it, deepeed- S$e $ad meta((, p#epa#ed $e#se(* to e/pe+t oe t$i!% "ut t$is

)as&t it5 Not o(, $ad Cesa#e&s appea#a+e ude#!oe a t#as*o#matio% so $ad $is mae#-

T$e Cesa#e B#ue((i i S+ot(ad $ad "ee st#u!!(i! )it$ demos o* se(*0dou"t as $e +ame to te#ms

)it$ )$at $ad $appeed to $im- He $ad "ee a!#, ad *#ust#ated% $is mae# a"#asi.e ad "e((i!e#et-

T$is ma% )it$ $is ai# o* ustudied aut$o#it,% (ooked as i* $e&d e.e# e/pe#ie+ed a momet o* se(*0

dou"t i $is (i*e5

&I&(( +a(( i* I *ee( i da!e#% Tim-&

Ad )$at )i(( I do i* I *ee( i da!e#8 Sam t$ou!$t as s$e d#e) a deep "#eat$- S$e a(#ead, *e(t i

da!e#0o* (osi! $e# mid i* ot$i! e(se-




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&S$e $as deep "(ue e,es0.e#, "(ue0ad au"u# $ai#%& Tim said% )it$out (ooki! to +$e+k t$e detai(s- He

t$e (ooked em"a##assed ad t$#e) Sam a se(*0+os+ious ad apo(o!eti+ (ook- &So##,-&

Sam s$ook $e# $ead- &It is&t ,ou )$o $as o mae#s-& Neit$e# did $e $a.e a au#a o* #a) se/ua(it,t$at made it impossi"(e *o# a pe#so to #e(a/ i $is +ompa,-

T$e poited +ommet d#e) a $asti(, +ut0o** +$u+k(e *#om Tim% )$o t$e 1ui+k(, .ais$ed-

T$e doo# +(osed )it$ a +(i+k ad s$e took a deep "#eat$- &I&m --- &

Cesa#e ti(ted $is $ead to oe side- Red $ai# e/p(aied t$e tempe# ad mes$ed pe#*e+t(, )it$ $is meta(ima!e- &I ko) )$o ,ou a#e% +a#a- You seem to $a.e made 1uite a imp#essio o Timot$,%& $e stated%

ot (ooki! eti#e(, p(eased ", t$is o"se#.atio- &So a "(ue0e,ed #ed$ead --- 8&

&I $a#d(, t$ik t$e +o(ou# o* m, e,es is #e(e.at-&




13/120

But o(, oe $ad t$at .oi+e-




14/120

A +$oki! soud es+aped Sam&s t$#oat- &Youe #ea((, ot t$at *atasti+%& s$e to(d $im as t$e e#oti+

ima!es p(a,i! i $e# $ead stood )itess to $e# )$oppe# o* a (ie-

&T$at&s ot )$at ,ou said at t$e time --- Pe#*e+t% utte#(, pe#*e+t )e#e )o#ds metioed se.e#a( times% It$ik% ad ,ou a(so appea#ed to $a.e a .e#, $i!$ opiio o* m, a"i(ities i "ed-&

&I* ,ou )e#e a, so#t o* a !et(ema ,ou )ou(d&t $a.e "#ou!$t t$at

up-&

&I&m ot-&

S$e s$ook $e# $ead- &Not )$at8&

He# stoma+$ mus+(es +(e+$ed as t$e +o#e#s o* $is (ips (i*ted i a s(o) p#edato#, smi(e- &A !et(ema%+a#a% ot i a, sese o* t$e )o#d% "ut t$e it )as&t m, "eauti*u( mae#s t$at made ,ou 6ump ito

"ed )it$ me% )as it8&

&I +a&t "e(ie.e I e.e# *e(t so##, *o# ,ou5& s$e !asped% !(a#i! at $im-

His $ead )et "a+k as t$ou!$ s$e $ad st#u+k $im- Wit$ ost#i(s *(a#ed ad a t$i )$ite (ie et+$ed

a#oud t$e s+u(pted out(ie o* $is (ips% $e #eto#ted i a .oi+e ed!ed )it$ i+e% &So ,ou s(ept )it$ me

"e+ause ,ou *e(t so##, *o# me8&

Sam&s "#o) pu+ke#ed ito a *#o) as s$e #etu#ed to a m,ste#, s$e $ad sti(( ot *u((, #eso(.ed to $e#

o) satis*a+tio- &I #ea((, do&t ko) )$, I did it0I&m a()a,s so sesi"(e-& S$e !a.e a pe#p(e/ed s$ake

o* $e# $ead ad si!$ed- &I ke) )$at I )as doi!% I ke) it )as +#a2,% "ut it )as as 'f '

< ---



D

itimate(, t$a a, ma- At $e# side $e# *ists +(e+$ed as s$e st#u!!(ed ot to t$ik a"out $o)itimate(,-
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&But do&t ,ou t$ik t$is is a s(i!$t o.e##ea+tio8& He +ou(d&t see $e# so $e )ou(d&t ko) $o) "ad(,

s$e *ai(ed i $e# attempt at a smi(e0it )as +o(d +om*o#t )$e s$e )as s$aki! $a#d *#om t$e iside out-

As i* t$i!s )e#e&t a(#ead, +omp(i+ated eou!$% $e $ad to t$#o) a +#a2, idea (ike t$is ito t$e mi/ ---ad make $e# t$ik a"out $o) di**e#et t$is )ou(d "e i* )$at t$e, $ad s$a#ed $ad ot "ee 6ust se/-

&To a situatio as t#i.ia( as $a.i! m, +$i(d% ,ou mea8&

&Ou# +$i(d-& His sudde possessi.e attitude )as somet$i! t$at made Sam ueas, ad somet$i! s$e

de*iite(, did&t )at to e+ou#a!e-

He dismissed t$e +o##e+tio )it$ a *(uid s$#u!- &I $a.e some o(d*as$ioed idea a"out *ami(, (i*e-&

&I&m su#e ,ou# !i#(*#ied mi!$t $a.e some too- Look% I ot t#eati! t$is t#i.ia((,% I 6ust t#,i! tomake (i*e easie# o ,ou- I ot maki! a, u#easoa"(e demads-&

&Y ou s$ou(d "e%& $e said- Sam )as sti(( st#u!!(i! to make sese o* $is +odematio )$e $is

disti+ti.e da#k "#o)s d#e) to!et$e# i a i##itated *#o) o* i+omp#e$esio- &Gi#(*#ied --- 8&

Wi(( $e dismiss me *#om $is t$ou!$ts as simp(, )$e I )a(k *#om t$e #oom8 Sam )ode#ed "(eak(,-

&Cadi+e )as (ea.i! as I a##i.ed-&

&Cadi+e eed ot +o+e# ,ou-&

&S$e mi!$t $a.e somet$i! to sa, a"out ,ou ma##,i! someoe e(se-& P#o"a"(, .e#, (oud(,% too- To

peop(e (ike t$e a+t#ess% pu"(i+it, )as a )a, o* (i*e- To Sam t$e idea o* $e# pe#soa( (i*e "e+omi! t$e

+u##e+, o* !ossip +o(ums *i((ed $e# )it$ utte# $o##o#-

A e/p#essio o* "a**(ed i##itatio sett(ed o Cesa#e&s *eatu#es- He mo.ed $is #i!$t $ad i a dismissi.ea#+- &W$at $as it to do )it$ $e#8&



?

&O# me% I suppose8& s$e su!!ested% utte#(, appa((ed ", $is disp(a, o* +a((ous u+o+e# *o# $is e/0

(o.e# --- ma,"e ot e.e e/ --- 8 T$e ma )as +(ea#(, as #ut$(ess i $is pe#soa( (i*e as $e )as #eputed

to "e i "usiess-

&'o ot "e #idi+u(ous5&

T$e su!!estio d#e) a (au!$ o* s$ee# i+#edu(it, *#om $e# t$#oat- &Me #idi+u(ous8& s$e e+$oed% (a,i!$e# pa(m *(at a!aist $e# $ea.i! +$est- &I&m ot t$e oe sa,i! )e s$ou(d !et ma##ied- 4o# God&s sake%

,ou did&t ko) m, ame uti( a *e) miutes a!o5& S$e (i*ted a $ad to $e# "#o) ad s$ook $e# $ead-T$is eti#e situatio )as "e,od su##ea( ad t$e s+a#, t$i! )as t$at *o# a sp(it se+od s$e $ad a(most

sta#ted to +oside# it-

&But I ke) a (ot o* ot$e# t$i!s a"out ,ou% Samat$a-&

T$e se/ua( i*e#e+e i $is deep d#a)( set a *(as$ o* $eat o.e# $e# ski- &You do&t ko) me at a((%&

s$e sapped "a+k% $e# a!e# di.ided "et)ee $im ad $e#se(*- W$, did s$e (et $im do t$is to $e#8
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He i!o#ed $e# statemet ad asked% &A#e ,ou )o##ied a "(id ma )ou(d ot make a !ood *at$e#8&

T$e *#ust#ati! t$ou!$t o* t$e ma, t$i!s $e )ou(d e.e# "e a"(e to do )it$ $is +$i(d #ose i Cesa#e&s

$ead to to#met $im- He #ea(ised $e )ou(d e.e# see $is +$i(d&s *a+e ad t$e a+ko)(ed!emet )as(ike a ki*e t$#ust to $is $ea#t-

&Y ou "ei! "(id $as !ot ot$i! to do )it$ it%& Sam said- &T$e, sa, t$at )ome a#e isti+ti.e(,d#a) to a(p$a ma(es to *at$e# t$ei# +$i(d#e-& Up uti( o) Sam $ad "ee a"(e to sa, s$e )as t$e

e/+eptio to t$e #u(e- &Ad as ,oue a"out t$e most a(p$a ma(e o t$e p(aet --- &

&A ma )$o #e1ui#es !uida+e to +#oss t$e #oad +aot p#ote+t $is +$i(d *#om da!e#-& It )as a *at$e#&s

#o(e to !ua#d $is o**sp#i! *#om t$e pe#i(s i t$e )o#(d% ad t$e t$ou!$t o* t$is #o(e #e.e#sa( *i((ed

Cesa#e )it$ a *u#ious impote+e-



37

Sam studied $is se(*0+#iti+a( e/p#essio ad *e(t $e# tede# $ea#t t)ist as s$e #e+o!ised t$e *ea# ad

dou"ts t$at (a, ude# t$e +o*idet *#ot $e p#eseted to t$e )o#(d-

&Bei! "(id does ot make ,ou a "ad *at$e# o# #o(e mode(-& U(ike% to $e# )a, o* t$iki!% s(eepi!

)it$ "(ode a+t#esses )it$ (o! (e!s- &It $as ot$i! to do )it$ t$is situatio at a((% e/+ept% & s$e

admitted% ad$e#i! #e(u+tat(, to $oest,% &t$at i* ,ou $ad "ee a"(e to see oe o* t$is )ou(d $a.e

$appeed-&

&Y ou mea I )ou(d ot $a.e "ee i S+ot(ad t$at i!$t-&

&I mea ,ou )ou(d $a.e "ee a"(e to see me%& s$e "(u#ted- I##itated ", $is "(ak *#o)% s$e spe(t it out-

&I&m ot ,ou# t,pe-&

S$e sa) t$e *(i+ke# at t$e "a+k o* $is e,es ad )is$ed s$e $ad (et $im +otiue to +a##, t$e +(ea#(,

u#ea(isti+ ima!e $e $ad o* $e#% "ut as tempti! as it )as% s$e +ou(d&t-

&I t$ik ,ou s$ou(d (et me "e t$e 6ud!e o* t$at- I $a.e see ,ou# *a+e )it$ m, *i!e#s-& E,es $a(* +(osed%

$is *i!e#s is+#i"ed a se#ies o* so*t motios i t$e ai#-

Sam *oud t$e +otemp(ati.e smi(e t$at +u#(ed oe +o#e# o* $is mout$ deep(, distu#"i!- &You +ou(d

do t$e same )it$ ,ou# +$i(d-&

His $ads *e(( ad somet$i! s$e +ou(d ot #ead *(i+ke#ed a+#oss $is *a+e- His deep .oi+e *e(( so*t(, ad

it +a##ied a ote s$e +ou(d ot ite#p#et- &So I +ou(d-&

&I $a.e *#e+k(es-&

T$e a"#upt ise#tio d#e) a !#i *#om $im-

&Se#ious(,%& s$e st#essed-

&T$at o* +ou#se a(te#s t$i!s%& $e said )it$ a )#, smi(e- T$e $is e/p#essio !#e) so(em "e*o#e $e

#e(eased a $issi! soud o* *#ust#atio "et)ee $is teet$ ad )ode#ed a!#i(,% &Has t$is *ia+e )$o

+$eated ad #e6e+ted ,ou !i.e ,ou su+$ a (o) opiio o* ,ou#se(*8&


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38

T$e su!!estio sta#t(ed Sam- &No5 I )as e.e# i (o.e )it$ Wi((-& Ad s$e )as s$a#i! )it$ $im t$e

#ea(isatio t$at $ad take $e# mot$s to #e+o !ise "e+ause --- 8

&We((% it is t#ue- You a#e ot m, t,pe-&

Sam )as !(ad $e +ou(d ot see $e# *(i+$-

&But ot "e+ause o* a, ima!ied p$,si+a( temp(ate ,ou appea# to ima!ie I e/pe+t m, se/ua( pa#te#s

to +o*o#m to- You a#e ot m, t,pe "e+ause ,ou a#e i+#edi"(, $i!$ maitea+e-&

T$e a++usatio #o""ed $e# "#ie*(, o* t$e a"i(it, to speak- &Me8 Hi!$ maitea+e8&

&Yes% ,ou- A(so I do ot $a.e #e(atios$ips )it$ )ome )$o eed me to te(( t$em t$e, a#e "eauti*u(-&

&I do ot05&

He +ut "a+k i "e*o#e s$e +ou(d +omp(ete $e# $ot #e"utta( o* t$is out#a!eous +(aim- &I do ot $a.e

#e(atios$ips )it$ )ome )$o e.e# (ose a oppo#tuit, to poit out m, m,#iad *(a)s-&

&Ad ,et ,ou sti(( )at to ma##, me0o(, ,ou do&t #ea((,% do ,ou-& S$e paused ad $e did&t speak-

S$e&d $a.e t$ou!$t (ess o* $im i* $e $ad- S$e t$ou!$t (ess o* $e#se(* "e+ause s$e )ated $im to-St#u!!(i! to #atioa(ise t$e i##atioa( desi#e to $ea# $im (ie% s$e (i*ted $e# +$i-

&Look% I su#e ,ou&d "e0)i(( "e0a !#eat *at$e#% "(id o# ot% "ut ,ou&d "e a a)*u( $us"ad ad I do&t)at to "e ma##ied to a ma )$o does&t (o.e me-&

His +,i+a( smi(e deepeed as $e $ea#d $e# out- &So (o.e +o1ue#s

a((8&

&Ma,"e ot% "ut despite m, appa#et (a+k o* se(*0esteem I ot sett(i! *o# se+od "est-&



Cesa#e% su**e#i! *#om t$e s$o+k o* $ea#i! $imse(* +a((ed se+od "est% $ea#d t$e doo# ope-

I $is $ead t$e memo#ies $e $ad "ee $o(di! "a+k su#*a+ed )it$ me#+i(ess a++u#a+, to taut $im- He#emem"e#ed #ui! $is *i!e#s o.e# t$e su#*a+e o* $e# "e((, ad *ee(i! t$e *ie et)o#k o* mus+(e

"eeat$ t$e so*t ski 1ui.e#- T#a+i! t$e +u#.ed a!(e o* $e# $ip )it$ $is $ads% d#a)i! t$e ti!$t (itt(e

s)o((e "uds o* $e# de(i+ious "#easts ito $is mout$ ad $ea#i! $e# "e! $im ot to stop- Kissi! t$e

$o((o) at t$e "ase o* $e# t$#oat )$e#e t$e e+$o o* $e# $ea#t"eat $ad passed *#om $e# to $im t$#ou!$ $is

*i!e#tips ad (ips-

It )as i#oi+- S$e )as t$e o(, )oma $e $ad s(ept )it$ "ut e.e# see ad $e +a##ied a mo#e .i.id

memo#, o* $e# "od, t$a a,oe e(se&s "e*o#e-


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It took se+ods *o# t$e ima!es ad ta+ti(e sesatios t$at )et )it$ t$em to *(as$ t$#ou!$ $is mid% "ut

it )as (o! eou!$ to make $is "od, "u# )it$ t$e st#e!t$ o* $is out0o*0+ot#o( a#ousa(-

Teet$ +(e+$ed% Cesa#e (eapt up *#om $is +$ai#% a !#o)( t$at #e!iste#ed too (o) *o# $uma ea#s.i"#ati! i $is +$est as $e sta(ked to)a#ds t$e doo#- He )as a+tua((, i t$e a+t o* tea#i! it ope )$e

$e stopped $imse(*- W$at t$e $e(( )as $e doi!8

His "#eat$i! s(o)ed- T$e damed (itt(e )it+$ )as #ui! out o $im a!ai ad $e )as *o((o)i!0

st#ai!$t do) a stai#)e(( p#o"a"(, i t$is so#t o* tempe#- He de+ided i* s$e #a ad $e *o((o)ed it )asot a !ood messa!e to sed out- Not i* a ma )ated to maitai t$e i((usio at (east o* "ei! i

+ot#o(-

4a+e set i a da#k s+o) (i! mask o* dis+otet% $e tu#ed ad )a(ked "a+k to $is +$ai#-

CHAPTER 4OUR

IT BEGAN to #ai 6ust as t$e ta/i d#e) up o t$e ke#"- It o(, took se+ods *o# Sam to #ea+$ t$e

)aiti! .e$i+(e% "ut ", t$e time s$e +(osed t$e



=F

doo# o t$e do)pou# $e# $ai# )as d#e+$ed% despite t$e "a! s$e $ad $e(d o.e# $e# $ead to s$ie(d $e#-

S$e (ooked out t$e )ido) ad $e# t$ou!$ts )e#e d#a) i##esisti"(, "a+k to $e# )eeked "#eak iS+ot(ad0it $ad "ee #aii! (ike t$is t$at (ast da,-

Sam $ad #ead o siiste# po#tets ito t$e !at$e#i! sto#m +(ouds% s$e $ad $ad o ik(i! t$at $e# (i*e)as a"out to +$a!e as s$e d#e) t$e Lad Ro.e# up o t$e !#a.e((ed *o#e+ou#t o* t$e A#mui# Cast(e-

S$e $ad simp(, "ee doi! a *a.ou# *o# $e# $a#assed siste#0i0(a) ad a"out t$e o(, t$i! t$at $ad"ee o $e# mid )as a i+e $ot "at$- S$e $ad ot ati+ipated t$at t$e +(eai! o* ei!$t +otta!es )ou(d

"e so p$,si+a((, st#euous- Not t$at s$e $ad $ad a, itetio o* (etti! o ad +o*i#mi! $e#

"#ot$e#&s mo+ki! opiio t$at +it, (i*e $ad made $e# so*t-

S$e $ad s$aded $e# e,es ad ti(ted $e# $ead as s$e&d (ooked at t$e +aste((ated tu##et- T$e !#e,0stoed

(adma#k +ou(d "e see *o# mi(es a#oud- It $ad "ee $e# siste#0i0Ia)&s +$i(d$ood $ome% "ut t$ese

da,s Ia ad C(a#e (i.ed i oe o* t$e *a#ms ad #eted out t$e "i! $ouse a(o! )it$ se.e#a( +#o*ts totou#ists-

Sam $ad (u!!ed out a "asket +otamm! t$e +(eai! mate#ia(s% t$iki! $o) )ie(di! a *eat$e# duste#ad +$a!i! "ed(ie $ad&t 1uite "ee t$e )a, s$e $ad .ie)ed spedi! $e# $o(ida,- But s$e +ou(d

$a#d(, $a.e !oe o** $iki! i t$e $i((s )$e a .i#u(et *(u "u! $ad $ad $e# siste#i0(a) so s$o#t0sta**edt$at s$e&d "ee t#,i! to do te 6o"s as )e(( as (ook a*te# t)o0,ea#0o(d t)is-

T$ou!$ Sam $ad p#oou+ed $e#se(* )i((i! to do a,t$i!% s$e $ad a+tua((, "ee #e(ie.ed )$e t$ea,t$i! $ad ot i.o(.ed (ooki! a*te# t$e t)is- S$e (o.ed $e# ep$e)s dea#(,% "ut t$e #esposi"i(it,

o* keepi! t$at *ea#(ess pai# amused ad sa*e )as ot a #esposi"i(it, s$e *e(t e1uipped to dea( )it$-


29/120

Istead a !ui(t, ad !#ate*u( C(a#e $ad asked i* s$e )ou(d +(ea ad p#epa#e t$e +otta!es o

+$a!eo.e# da, *o# t$e e) itake o* $o(ida,make#s ad% i* s$e $ad time% take a !#o+e#, o#de# up to t$e

+ast(e ad +$a!e t$e (ie t$e#e-



=

Sam )as sti((% "ut o(, "e+ause t$e ee#!, $ad d#aied a"#upt(, *#om $e# "od,% (ea.i! $e# s$aki!ad )eak0keed-

&Youe Ita(ia%& s$e stated- His (i!$t(, a++eted .oi+e )as deep ad .i"#at-

&Youe t#espassi!-&

&No% I&m o(, t$e +(eae#% I6ust +ame to +$a!e t$e s$eets-&

&T$e +(eae# --- 8& He did&t soud +o.i+ed% "ut s$e )as #e(ie.ed to see t$at% t$ou!$ $e sti(( #e!a#ded

$e# )it$ suspi+io% some o* t$e a!!#essi.e $osti(it, $ad seeped *#om $is mae#-

He st#ai!$teed up to $is *u(( ad itimidati! $ei!$t ad Sam e/$a(ed a s$ak, "#eat$ as $is $ads *e((

*#om $e# s$ou(de#s- He# step "a+k)a#ds "#ou!$t t$e "a+k o* $e# (e!s i +ota+t )it$ t$e "i! #usti+ ta"(ei t$e midd(e o* t$e #oom- S$e (eaed ito it ad pus$ed $e# $ads i a smoot$i! motio o.e# $e#

$ai#- T$e, )e#e sti(( s$aki!% as )as $e# .oi+e as s$e #eto#ted sa#+asti+a((,% &No% I&m a ite#atioa(6e)e( t$ie* ad m, +a((i! +a#d is )as$i! t$e di#t, dis$es --- &

S$e )as !(ad se.e#a( *eet o) sepa#ated t$em- Up +(ose ad dist#a+ti!(, pe#soa( $e #ea((, )as tooo.e#)$e(mi!- S$e o (o!e# ima!ied s$e )as i a, p$,si+a( da!e# *#om t$is ma% "ut $e# meta(

sa*et, )as aot$e# matte#- W$ate.e# it )as $e p#o6e+ted s$e )as sus+epti"(e to it- E.e#, time s$e

(ooked at $im $e# mid )et to mus$% ad t$e stu** $appei! to t$e #est o* $e# "od, did ot "ea# +(ose

e/amiatio-

S$e )as deep(, as$amed o* $e# iitia( #ea+tio to t$is "#oodi!% "adtempe#ed Ita(ia )it$ $is si*u((,

se/, mout$ ad +$ise((ed +$eek"oes- S$e (o)e#ed $e# e,es *#om $is *a+e% +os+ious t$at s$e )as+(ose to d#oo(i!- 4o# God&s sake% )oma% s$o) a "it o* p#ide% s$e +$ided $e#se(* a!#i(,-

&O* +ou#se I&m t$e +(eae#-& S$e mo.ed $e# $ad i a s)eepi! motio *#om $e# tous(ed $ead do) to$e# sesi"(e s$oes- &W$at do I (ook (ike8&

He +ou(d sa, s$e #esem"(ed a tota( )#e+k ad $e )ou(d&t "e )#o!% s$e #e*(e+ted% t$iki! $o) si((,

ad s$a((o) it )as to +a#e )$at $e t$ou!$tPDF Created with deskPDF PDF Writer - Trial :: http://www.docudesk.com


4

o* $e# appea#a+e- Espe+ia((, as s$e )ou(d ot $a.e se+u#ed a se+od !(a+e *#om $im ude# a, ot$e#

+i#+umsta+es% e.e i* s$e $ad "ee )ea#i! $e# most a((u#i! out*it-

But $e did ot take $e# i.itatio to (ook at $e#- Istead $is u"(iki! $ea.,0(idded #e!a#d sta,edt#aied o $e# *a+e as $e o"se#.ed% &You do ot sme(( (ike a +(eae#-&

&W$at do +(eae#s sme(( (ike8&

A da#k "#o) a#+$ed sa#doi+a((,- &You% p#esuma"(,- I $a.e e.e# $e(d oe as +(ose as a (o.e# "e*o#e-&


33/120

T$e +ommet made t$e "(us$ ude# $e# ski deepe- &You&.e e.e# (i.ed%& s$e #ep(ied% t#,i! ot to

t$ik a"out (o.e#s ad t$is ma i t$e same sete+e-

&A tempti! t$ou!$t%& $e said% ot (ooki! tempted-

W$i+$ )as #ude-

&T$at )as&t a i.itatio-& As i* s$e )ou(d $ad out i.itatios to a ma )$o (ooked (ike a da#k *a((e

a!e(-

He a!(ed a "#o) ad (ooked e.e mo#e as t$ou!$ $e ke) *a# too mu+$ a"out kissi!-

&So t$at is ot pa#t o* t$e se#.i+e --- 8&

&I do&t +$a#!e *o# kisses% 6ust *o# moppi!% ad I o(, kiss peop(e I

(ike-&

His attetio d#i*ted to t$e )ido) as $e appea#ed to (ose ite#est i t$e +o.e#satio- Wit$out (ooki!at $e#% $e d#a!!ed a $ad t$#ou!$ $is da#k $ai#- Sam )as used to me ot oti+i! $e# i a se/ua( )a,%

"ut most did&t a+t as t$ou!$ s$e )e#e i.isi"(e-

T$e si(e+e (e!t$eed- W$e $e did speak s$e 6umped- &You #aise a ma&s e/pe+tatios ad t$e ,ou

das$ t$em do)- So% M#s C(eae#% ,ou +a



4!

take ,ou# mop ad !o $ome- T$e estate )e#e i*o#med p#io# to m, a##i.a( t$at I do ot #e1ui#e

$ousekeepi! se#.i+es-&

Sam )as tempted to pass t$e "u+k ad sa, s$e )as 6ust t$e $i#ed $e(p% "ut C(a#e $ad mo#e t$a eou!$

to +ope )it$ )it$out +omp(aits *#om #i+$ !uests- Istead s$e said% &T$e, to(d me t$e same t$i!% "ut,ou )e#e "ot$ )#o!-&

A (ook o* tota( astois$met passed a+#oss $is (ea *eatu#es- &I )as )#o!8&

A smi(e *(utte#ed o $e# (ips% t$e *aded as $e# !(a+e st#a,ed ad t$e *(utte#i! mo.ed to (o) i $e#

"e((,-

&Y ou )e#e%& s$e +#oaked% $e# e,es sti(( !(ued to $is mout$- &Y ou de*iite(, eed me-& E.e "e*o#e $e

a#+$ed a e/p#essi.e "#o) t$e mo#ti*ied +o(ou# $ad #us$ed to $e# +$eeks-

&Y ou soud .e#, +o*idet o* ,ou# a"i(it, to satis*, m, eeds --- &

&T$e#e is o +a(( to "e +#ude ad sa#+asti+%& s$e +$oked- &Ad a+tua((, I )ou(d p#e*e# ot to t$ik a"out

,ou# eeds5& But o* +ou#se s$e )as- &W$at I meat )as ,ou de*iite(, eed $ousekeepi! se#.i+esu(ess ,ou a#e p(ai! to eat )it$ ,ou# *i!e#s o# ,oue kee to +ot#a+t *ood poisoi!- I t$ou!$t

,ou&d $a.e "ee !#ate*u(-& He# !(a+e t#a.e((ed a#oud t$e #oom- &T$e p(a+e (ooks a (ot "ette# t$a it

did-&


34/120

&Ad I am meat to t$ak ,ou8 I ke) )$e#e e.e#,t$i! )as-&

&S$a(( I t$#o) a *e) empt, "ott(es a#oud t$e p(a+e to make ,ou *ee( at $ome8&

&I +ou(d put m, $ad o a,t$i! as ad )$e I eeded it-& He s)ept $is $ad i a e/p#essi.e +i#+u(a#

motio ad set t$e #o) o* *#es$(, )as$ed !(asses s$e $ad (ied up o t$e d#esse# *(,i! )it$ a +#as$-

T$e ue/pe+ted oise o* "#eaki! !(ass )as so (oud t$at Sam +#ied out-

T$e $e# mout$ *e(( ope as s$e #ea(ised t$e a+tio $ad "ee tota((, de(i"e#ate- Sam sta#ed at $im idis"e(ie*- &I suppose ,ou e/pe+t me to +(ea# t$at up *o# ,ou8& I* so $e +ou(d t$ik a!ai-



=

Teet$ +(e+$ed% $e !(a#ed at $e#% $is *a+e a mask o* seet$i! dis(ike- &< do ot #e1ui#e ,ou# assista+e-" am mo#e t$a +apa"(e o* --- & To emp$asise $is +apa"i(it, $e "#ou!$t t$e *(at o* $is $ad do) o t$e

d#esse# top-

&O$% ,ea$% it #ea((, (ooks (ike it --- & He# .oi+e *aded as $e (i*ted $is $ad- He# stoma+$ *(ipped as s$e

sa) t$e "(ood d#ippi! *#om t$e 6a!!ed +ut o $is pa(m- &O$% m, God5& s$e +#ied i $o##o#- &You stupid

ma% )$at $a.e ,ou doe8&

His 6a) +(e+$ed- &Not$i!-&

&Y ou idiot0)$at did ,ou t$ik ,ou )e#e doi!8 You $it it di#e+t(, o t$e !(ass --- a,oe )ou(d t$ik,ou )e#e "(id-&

&(am-&

&:e#, *u,%& s$e "e!a% ti(ti! $e# $ead up to)a#ds $is ad *idi! $im sta#i! at t$e )a(( a"o.e $e#

$ead- T$e e/aspe#atio o $e# *a+e )as #ep(a+ed ", t$e $o##o# o* #ea(i2atio- It )as&t a si+k 6oke3 $e)as te((i! t$e t#ut$-

&You +a&t see0,oue "(id5& S$ame ad s$o+k i e1ua( pa#ts )as$ed o.e# $e# (ike i+, )ate#- He# (ips

1ui.e#ed ad iside $e# +$est somet$i! ti!$teed as s$e (i*ted a $ad to $e# *a+e ad *oud it )et )it$

ie/p(i+a"(e tea#s-

&I&m so so##,% < did&t #ea(ise-& Sti(( ot 1uite a"(e to "e(ie.e t$ose "eauti*u( e,es +ou(d ot see $e#% s$e

passed a $ad i *#ot o* $is *a+e- He did&t "(ik% "ut #ea+$ed out )it$ di22,i! speed ad +au!$t $e#

)#ist i $is ui6u#ed $ad-

&Stop t$at- I&.e $ad eou!$ empat$, to (ast me a (i*etime5& $e sa#(ed- &< do ot #e1ui#e ,ou# s,mpat$,o# ,ou# pit,5&

Sam (ooked at t$e "(ood d#ippi! oto t$e *(oo# ad +(e+$ed $e# teet$- &< !et it-&

His (ip +u#(ed +otemptuous(,- &You !et )$at8&




35/120

4#

&I !et t$at ,oue mad )it$ me "e+ause I sa) ,ou "ei! .u(e#a"(e-

'o&t )o##,% I do&t *ee( e/t#a spe+ia(- Youe o".ious(, mad )it$ t$e )o#(d- T$e *a+t is ,oue "(id0&

S$e stopped as s$e sa) s$o+k mo.e at t$e "a+k o* $is e,es- &You t$ik I eed some M#s Mop to #emid

me o* t$is *a+t8&

Sam !#itted $e# teet$ ad +a##ied o as t$ou!$ t$e "itte# ite##uptio $ad ot o++u##ed- &So ,ou +a

+a##,o i!o#i! it i* ,ou )is$% "ut (ike t$e di#t, dis$es it&s ot !oi! to !o a)a,- So i* I mi!$t make a

su!!estio% )$, do&t ,ou stop a+ti! (ike a !ut(ess )ode# ad !et o )it$ it8 Su#e it is&t *ai#% "ut0s$o+k $o##o#0(i*e is&t5&

S$e sa) t$e dis"e(ie* +$ase a+#oss $is *a+e ad *e(t a su#!e o* #e+k(essess-

&T$is is oe o* m, "usiess0&

&No% it is&t-&

A!ai s$e a+ted as t$ou!$ $e $ad ot spoke- &W$i+$ is p#o"a"(, a !ood t$i!% "e+ause I do&t #ea((,

+a#e )$at ,ou sa, to me- U(ike t$e *#ieds ad *ami(, out t$e#e% t$e peop(e )$o (o.e ,ou ad )$o a#eo dou"t #i!$t o) )o##ied si+k a"out ,ou --- &

T$e#e )ou(d "e a )i*e o# a (o.e# amo! t$em- A ma )$o (ooked (ike $im% a ma )$o p#o6e+ted a

*o#+e *ie(d o* #a) se/ua(it,% )ou(d ot (i.e t$e (i*e o* a mok-

S$e d#a!!ed $e# e,es *#om t$e )idei! s+a#(et stai o $is s(ee.e ad st#u!!(ed to maitai t$e #o(e o*

impa#tia( st#a!e# as s$e ti(ted $e# *a+e up to $is t$iki! $o) "eauti*u( t$e )oma i $is (i*e must "e-

T$e stupid ma p#o"a"(, t$ou!$t $e )as "ei! o"(e ad st#o! ", !oi! it a(oe up $e#e i t$e +ast(e-

His p#o"(em )as $e )as too stu""o# ad p#oud to admit $e eeded $e(p-

&Mea)$i(e%& s$e +otiued% )a.i! $e# *i!e# e.e t$ou!$ $e )as o"(i.ious- &You (i+k ,ou# )ouds$e#e (ike some --- some i6u#ed aima(-& He&d "e a )o(*% s$e t$ou!$t% stud,i! $is (ea% $adsome *a+e

ad *ee(i!



$%

t$e ie.ita"(e *(ip o* $e# sesiti.e stoma+$- &M, God% ,oue se(*is$5& s$e *iis$ed i dis!ust-

T$e#e )as a (ook o* sta#k i+#edu(it, stamped o $is $a#d pat#i+ia *eatu#es as $e ti(ted $is $ead to oe

side% a e#.e +(e+$ed i $is (ea +$eek as t$ose stui! da#k e,es sta#ed st#ai!$t at $e#-

It seemed impossi"(e to Sam t$at $e )as&t seei! $e#-

&Se(*is$5&

T$e#e )as a *(at% ee#ie +a(m i t$e e+$o t$at set a s$i.e# do) $e# spie ad made $e# t$ik o* $e#

#e+et aa(o!,- Wouded aima(s o* a, .a#iet, )e#e da!e#ous% espe+ia((, )o(.es-


36/120

E.e )$e $is tempe# )as&t *#a,ed to t$e poit o* sappi!% t$e#e )as somet$i! ed!,% up#edi+ta"(e

ad a(most +om"usti"(e a"out t$is st#a!e#-

I* s$e $ad a, sese s$e )ou(d "e $eadi! *o# t$e doo#% ot stadi! $e#e )idi! $im up-

;ust )$, )as s$e maki! t$is $e# "usiess8 T$e *(utte#i! o* e/+itemet (o) i $e# "e((, ad t$e (i!$t0

$eaded #e+k(essess "o# o* t$e e/+ess ad#ea(ie +i#+u(ati! i $e# "(oodst#eam mi!$t "e a +(ue--- Sam*#o)ed% ot (iki! t$e +o+(usios t$#o) up ", $e# #apid se(*0aa(,sis% ot (iki! t$e *ee(i!s t$is

ma sti##ed iside $e#-

Like ad t$is ma did ot sit +om*o#ta"(, i t$e same t$ou!$t- Like )as tepid ad $e )as a pe#so )$o

ispi#ed t$e mo#e e/t#eme eds o* t$e emotioa( spe+t#um5

Sam stu+k out $e# +$i e.e t$ou!$ t$e de*iat !estu#e )as )asted o $im- &It&s ot$i! to me )$,

,ou&.e +ome $e#e% "ut it does&t take a !eius to see it )as&t *o# t$e +(im"i! o# *is$i!% ad ,ou do&t

(ook (ike someoe (ooki! *o# spi#itua( pea+e-& I* $e )as $e&d take t$e )#o! tu# some)$e#e% s$e

t$ou!$t% stud,i! t$e u+omp#omisi! set o* $is 6a) ad t$e +(e+$i! e#.e t$#o""i! i $is $o((o)+$eek-



>D

used to "a#ki! out o#de#s ad $a.i! peop(e 6ump- &Ad ,ou&d !et o )it$ Ia0$e t$iks I $a.e o (i*e

eit$e#-& He# "(ue e,es a##o)ed as s$e +oside#ed t$e )e((0meai! ite#*e#e+e o* $e# si"(i!-

His mat+$maki! ta+ti+s )e#e e.e# .e#, su"t(e% "ut )$at Ia ad ot$e# +o+e#ed pa#ties0s$e did&t

i+(ude t$is st#a!e# amo! t$ei# um"e#0did&t seem to app#e+iate )as t$at s$e $ad&t t$#o) $e#se(*

ito )o#k "e+ause $e# "o,*#ied $ad #u o** )it$ aot$e# )oma-

S$e t$#e) $e#se(* ito )o#k "e+ause s$e e6o,ed it-

S$e #ea((, )as o.e# Wi((- S$e )as&t e.e mad )it$ $im a, mo#e-

S$e )as mad )it$ $e#se(* "e+ause s$e $ad a()a,s ko) deep do) t$at t$is !o#!eous !u, $ad&t

#ea((, "ee i (o.e )it$ $e#- It $ad&t "ee #espe+t t$at $ad stopped $im 6umpi! ito "ed )it$ $e#"e*o#e t$e, )e#e ma##ied% "ut a tota( (a+k o* ite#est i $e# se/ua((,-

Ad )$e s$e&d see )$at so#t o* )oma Wi(( )as ite#ested i se/ua((, s$e +ou(d s$e )$,- Gise(a%

t$e di.ie(, *ai# No#di+ "eaut, $e $ad met ad ma##ied a(( i t$e spa+e o* t)o )eeks% )as a(most si/

*eet ta(( ad $ad a "od, t$at a, ma )ou(d (ust a*te#-

Sti(( (ooki! o.e# $e# s$ou(de#% Sam o) )at+$ed t$e Ita(ia sea#+$ ad *id a tea to)e( t$at $e

p#o+eeded to app(, *i#m(, to $is )oud-

&It&s ot$i! to me i* ,ou )at to $ide a)a, (ike some so#t o* "ea#ded #e+(use-& Sam )as #at$e# p(eased

at $e# )oode de(i.e#,0t$i!s $ad "ee !etti! *a# too $eated ad pe#soa(- O* +ou#se% i* $e $ad "eea"(e to see $e# *(us$ed *a+e it )ou(d $a.e #uied t$e i((usio o* o"6e+ti.e "o#edom tota((,-

But $e +ou(d&t-

A!ai t$i!s $u#t iside as s$e *e(t a u)e(+ome )a.e o* empat$i+ pai *o# $is (oss- S$e $ad a(#ead,

)o#ked out t$at s,mpat$, )ou(d o(, make $im mo#e pi!$eaded(, u+oope#ati.e so s$e kept $e# toe*(at as s$e admitted% &But I&m !oi! to +(ea ad d#ess t$at )oud )$et$e# ,ou (ike it o# ot-&

&Bea#ded --- 8&



>

S$e a(most )ated to smi(e as $e (i*ted a $ad to $is *a+e ad (ooked su#p#ised as $is *i!e#s s(id a+#oss

t$e stu""(e o $is $a#d 6a)(ie- It )as i#oi+ #ea((,0t$e#e )e#e ume#ous me out t$e#e )$o +a#e*u((,


38/120

u#tu#ed t$ei# desi!e# stu""(e i a e**o#t to a+$ie.e e/a+t(, t$e (ook o* da#k% da!e#ous dissipatio

t$is ma $ad )it$out t#,i!-

&Ca(( me se(*is$% "ut it )ou(d "e "ad *o# "usiess i* ,ou )et $ome *eet *i#st% ad t$e estate is 6ust a"outt$e o(, emp(o,e# a#oud $e#e-&

&So ,ou )is$ to ted m, )ouds "e+ause it )ou(d a**e+t t$e (o+a( e+oom,% ot "e+ause ,ou a#e amiiste#i! a!e(-&

His amused see# made $e# see #ed- &I* "(ood,0mided a!!#essio ad astiess is a de*e+eme+$aism meat to keep t$e )o#(d at a dista+e% I $a.e to te(( ,ou it )o#ks-&

A (ook o* +omp(ete astois$met #ep(a+ed t$e see#- T$e $e t$#e) $e# tota((,- T$e !#i t$at #e.ea(ed$is e.e )$ite teet$ ad some !o#!eous +#ik(, (ies a#oud $is e,es a(so i#oed out t$e e!#aied

(ies o* +,i+ism a#oud $is mout$-

T$e "#eat$ sa!!ed i $e# t$#oat as s$e sta#ed at t$e t#as*o#matio-

Me#+,% $e&s !o#!eous5

T$e $e +omp(eted t$e t#as*o#matio ", t$#o)i! "a+k $is $ead ad (au!$i!- T$e ui$i"ited soud

)as deep% )a#m ad att#a+ti.e-

&You $a.e 1uite a to!ue o ,ou-&

T$e#e )as o mistaki! t$e #e(u+tat admi#atio i $is .oi+e- Sam *oud it mo#e distu#"i! t$a $is

$osti(it,- B#o)s kitted i +oste#atio% s$e "a+ked out o* t$e doo#% ua)a#e uti( s$e )as i t$e ope

ai# t$at s$e $ad "ee $o(di! $e# "#eat$-

CHAPTER 4I:E

THE *i#st spatte#s o* #ai )e#e *a((i! *#om t$e a(#ead, da#kei! sk, as Sam #a to)a#ds t$e LadRo.e# to !et t$e *i#st0aid kit- S$e $oped t$e



>=

sto#m )ou(d $o(d o** uti( s$e !ot "a+k to Home 4a#m- A +$i(d$ood i+idet $ad (e*t $e# )it$ ai##atioa( *ea# o* t$ude#% ad $ea., #ai made t$e #oad "a+k )it$ its $ai#pi "eds ad d#amati+ d#ops

a i!$tma#e-

S$e )as "#ie*(, tempted to !et i ad d#i.e a)a,% ad de(e!ate t$e task o* $e(pi! t$is u!#ate*u( ma

to someoe e(se- But ot !oi! "a+k i )ou(d $a.e "ee admitti! s$e )as a*#aid o* *ee(i! )$ate.e#it )as t$is st#a!e# $ad +$u#ed up-

T$e kit+$e% )it$ its i!(eook *i#ep(a+e ad *(a!!ed *(oo#% )as as "i! as a "a#% "ut despite t$is Sam

*e(t as i* t$e stoe )a((s )e#e +(osi! i o $e# as s$e stepped "a+k iside- T$e st#a!e# $ad a )a, o*

maki! a, spa+e seem +o*ied-

&Wou(d ,ou (ike to sit do)8& s$e asked- It )as a i.itatio t$at Sam )ou(d&t $a.e mided a++epti!

$e#se(*0$e# kees $ad t$e +osiste+, o* +otto )oo( as s$e app#oa+$ed $im-


39/120

His e/p#essio )as su#(, as $e $e(d out $is a#m to)a#ds $e#% pee(ed o** t$e to)e( ad sapped% &'io

mio% )oma% 6ust !et o )it$ it i* ,ou must-&

&Is t$is t$e Ita(ia +$a#m I&.e $ea#d so mu+$ a"out8& He# .oi+e *aded )$e s$e sa) t$e ed!es o* t$e!api! )oud $e $ad e/posed o $is pa(m- &You #ea((, eed to see a do+to#- It mi!$t eed sutu#i! --- &

&W$at I eed is pea+e ad 1uiet% so eit$e# put o a Bad0Aid o# !o-&

Sam si!$ed #eadi! t$e ote o* *ia(it, o* $is p#oou+emet- S$e did&t $a.e to "e ps,+$i+ to see $e)as&t a ma )$o )ou(d #e+o!ise +omp#omise i* it $it $im o $is #at$e# pe#*e+t ose-

S$e took $is )#ist ad $e(d $is $ad o.e# t$e Be(*ast sik as s$e +(eaed t$e a#ea )it$ atisepti+ *#om

t$e *i#st0aid kit-

He a++epted $e# miist#atios i si(e+e pu+tuated o(, ", t$e #ai t$at "e!a to (as$ a!aist t$e

)ido)-

T$e sto#m ad t$e $ea.iess i t$e ai# p#o"a"(, a++outed *o# iet, pe# +et o* t$e )ei#d tesio t$at

$e(d $e# i its !#ip-



55

&T$e sto#m is +omi!-&

A(most "e*o#e t$e )o#ds )e#e out o* $e# mout$ (i!$ti! *(as$ed% *i((i! t$e #oom )it$ )$ite- Sam

tesed-

T$e sto#m )as $e#e-

&W$at&s )#o!8&

&Not$i! -- -(i!$ti!- I&m ot kee o sto#ms-& I t$e dista+e Sam +ou(d $ea# t$e du(( #o(( o* t$ude#ad $e o".ious(, did too-

&It&s 1uite +(ose-&

&I&d )o#ked t$at out *o# m,se(*%& s$e said +#aki(,% keepi! $e# $ead "et o.e# $is $ad- &So##, i* t$is is

$u#ti!-& S$e atta+$ed t$e *ia( st#ip o* tape to t$e "ada!e- &'oe-& S$e a!(ed a 1uestioi! (ook at $is

*a+e- S$e )as p#ett, su#e )$at $is #espose )ou(d "e% "ut s$e *e(t o"(i!ed to ask a,)a,- &Wou(d ,ou

(ike me to +a(( someoe *o# ,ou8&

&I )ou(d (ike0&

At t$at momet t$e#e )as a "a! so (oud t$at Sam s$#ieked ad (eapt as t$ou!$ s$ot- S$e sa) t$e

+otets o* t$e *i#st0aid "o/ $it t$e *(oo# ad a se+od (ate# s$e +ou(d&t see a,t$i! at a((0t$e (i!$ts

)et out ad t$e #oom )as p(u!ed ito ik, da#kess-

&Ca(m do)% )oma% it&s o(, a "it o* t$ude#-&


40/120

'espite t$e i##itatio i $is .oi+e s$e supposed t$e $ad t$at *e(( o $e# s$ou(de# )as meat to o**e#

+om*o#t-

&T$e (i!$ts $a.e !oe out%& s$e said-

His *a+e $ad sepa#ated itse(* out *#om t$e da#kess% a mo#e so(id s$ado)% "ut s$e +ou(d ot make out

a, detai(s o* $is *eatu#es as $e #espoded i a .oi+e )iped +(ea o* a(( e/p#essio-

&T$e, )et out *o# me *i.e )eeks a!o-&



>?

O(, *i.e )eeks5 He# e,es )ideed i s$o+k ad *o# a momet s$e )as ot +os+ious o* t$e sto#m-

&W& d I 8&

as It !#a ua o# ----

T$e *i!e#s o $e# a#m ti!$teed- &Y ou mea did I $a.e time to p#a+tise )it$ m, )$ite +ae ad (ea#

B#ai((e8 No% I did&t- It )as t$e side e**e+t o* su#!e#, *o((o)i! a a++idet- But (et&s (ook o t$e "#i!$t

sideI& m t$e ma ,ou )at a#oud )$e t$e (i!$ts !o out- Ad a#e ,ou s+a#ed o* t$e da#k% m, miiste#i!

a!e(8&

&A#e ,ou8& S$e #ea+$ed out *o# $is *a+e% t#ai(i! $e# *i!e#s do) st#o! +otou#s% t#,i! to t#as(ate t$e

ta+ti(e messa!es ito a ima!e --- )as t$is $o) $e sa)8

'id $e (i.e )it$ a *ea# o* t$e "(a+kess $e o) *a+ed e.e#, da,8 T$e t$ou!$t o* $is da#k )o#(d made

somet$i! t)ist $a#d iside Sam- S$e #ea+$ed up ad !#a""ed $is $ead% d#a)i! $is mout$ to $e#s ad

p#essi! $e# (ips a!aist $is- S$e kissed $im )it$ a *e#o+it, "o# o*% ot 6ust (ust% "ut s$a#p% s)eet

tede#ess-

He did ot #ea+t- T$e#e )as t$e spa+e o* se.e#a( $ea#t"eats% du#i! )$i+$ s$e )ated t$e *(oo# to ope up

ad s)a((o) $e#% "e*o#e $e #espoded% kissi! $e# "a+k )it$ t$e )i(d despe#atio o* a sta#.i! ma-

&Sometimes%& s$e $ea#d $e#se(* admit )$e t$e kiss eded ad s$e )as stadi! t$e#e s$aki!% &I&m s+a#ed

o* 6ust a"out e.e#,t$i!-& But ot$i! i $e# (i*e so *a# made $e# as s+a#ed as t$e #us$ o* p#ima( eed s$e*e(t i t$e a#ms o* t$is tota( st#a!e#-

&Y ou $ide it )e((-&

S$e +ou(d&t $ide $e# #espose )$e $is $ad s(id ude# $e# top% $is (o! *i!e#s skati! o.e# t$e $ot ski

o* $e# "a+k- S$e did&t a+tua((, t#,-

Ad )$e $e "et $is da#k $ead ad *itted $is mout$ to $e#s% pa#ti! $e# (ips )it$ $is to!ue% s$e met it

)it$ $e# o)- As $is mout$ (i*ted a *#a+tu#ed moa es+aped past t$e emotioa( t$i+kei! i Sam&s a+$i!

t$#oat- T$e s$e +ou(d *ee( $is "#eat$ )a#m a!aist $e# e+k% sti##i! t$e do), $ai#s o $e# +$eek as $etook $e# *a+e "et)ee $is $ads ad #a $is




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$!

t$um"s a+#oss t$e t#em"(i! out(ie o* $e# (ips% s)o((e *#om $is $u!#, kisses-

&'io Mio% it&s "ee a (o! time%& $e s(u##ed t$i+k(,-

Sam )as s$aki! iside ad out as s$e )$ispe#ed% &You&.e ot (ost t$e ka+k% I p#omise ,ou-&

He #a $is to!ue s(o)(, a(o! t$e +u#.e o* $e# uppe# (ip% a s(o) sesua( smi(e *o#mi! o $is o)mout$ )$e $is a+tios d#e) a se+od deep t$#oat, moa *#om $e#- &I $a.e&t )ated a )oma *o# a

(o! time-&

His )o#ds set a *#es$ #us$ o* $eat t$#ou!$ $e# "od,- &But ,ou )at

me8&

T$e e(e+t#i+it, i t$e (e!t$ei! si(e+e $ad ot$i! to do )it$ t$e sto#m #a!i! outside- W$e $e

*ia((, spoke $is .oi+e )as t$i+k ad $ea.i(, a++eted-

&W$at do ,ou t$ik8& His "i! $ads s(id to $e# $ips ad% +uppi! $e# "ottom% $e d#e) $e# $a#d a!aist

$is "od, so t$at s$e +ou(d *ee( t$e st#e!t$ o* $is a#ousa(-

A )$impe#i! soud (e*t $e# t$#oat as s$e *e(t t$e e#oti+ imp#it o* $is e#e+tio i t$e so*t *(es$ o* $e#

"e((,-

&Wi(( ,ou take a(( o* me% +a#a8& Wit$out )aiti! *o# a #espose $e took $o(d o* t$e $em o* $e# top% ad

pee(i! it o.e# $e# $ead% *(u! it o.e# $is s$ou(de# "e*o#e #ea+$i! *o# t$e +(ip o $e# "#a-

A ti, s(i.e# o* sese su#*a+ed ad Sam s$ook $e# $ead-

&Not ,et-&

S$i.e#i! as t$e +oo( ai# $it $e# o.e#$eated ski% Sam )as !(ad o* t$e da#k as $e su!!ested% &4o# ,ou

too% I t$ik% it $as "ee a (o! time8& His .oi+e s$ook% t#emo#s #aki! $is (ea *#ame as $e "et $is $eadad +(aimed $e# (ips a!ai-



>

Sam )as sta#t(ed )$e% $is $ads sti(( a+$o#ed to $e# $ips% $e *e(( to $is kees- He p(a+ed a $ad i

t$e sma(( o* $e# "a+k ad d#e) $e# to)a#ds $im-

&W$at a#e ,ou --- 8& S$e "#oke o**% !aspi! as s$e *e(t t$e *(i+ke# o* $is to!ue a+#oss $e# $a#deed

ipp(es t$#ou!$ t$e si(k o* $e# "#a- He# $ead )et "a+k ad a (o) keei! +#, (e*t $e# t$#oat as t$e

e#oti+ +a#ess set a pu(se o* $eat deep ito $e# pe(.is% t$e a!ai ad a!ai as $e d#e) t$e ti!$t peakito $is mout$-

&O$% God5& s$e moaed% ad did&t #e+o!ise $e# .oi+e- He# $ead )as spii! ad s$e +ou(d&t *o+us-He# "od, )as o *i#e3 e.e#, e#.e edi! )as s+#eami! *o# $is attetio- He# kees sa!!ed ad s$e

t$ou!$t $o) s$e +ou(d&t take a, mo#e o* )$at $e )as doi!% e/+ept ma,"e t$e )o#ds )e#e ot i $e#

$ead% ma,"e s$e said t$em out (oud% "e+ause $e !#oaed-


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&Me eit$e#% +a#a-& T$e $e pi+ked $e# up% $is "i! $ads +upped ude# $e# "ottom suppo#ti! $e# )ei!$t

as $e #ose to $is *eet i *(uid motio-

4eet +(ea# o* t$e !#oud% Sam (iked $e# a#ms "e$id $is $ead ad kissed $im $a#d o $is mout$- Hetasted o* )$isk, ad s$e #emem"e#ed t$e empt, "ott(es-

&A#e ,ou d#uk8&

&T$at )ou(d "e a e/+use%& $e a!#eed- &But% o% I ot% t$ou!$ eit$e# do I t$ik I am tota((, sae-& He"et $is $ead to kiss $e# o+e mo#e-

&Y ou taste so !ood%& $e s(u##ed t$i+k(,- &'o a(( miiste#i! a!e(s taste t$is !ood8&

&'o&t stop5& s$e p(eaded% $e# *i!e#s ta!(i! i $is $ai# d#a)i! $is *a+e to $e# "od,-

&I )o&t -- -I +a&t-& Somet$i! i $is .oi+e +o.e,ed $e *oud t$e situatio i+omp#e$esi"(e% )$i+$

made t)o o* t$em% Sam t$ou!$t% +(i!i! o ti!$t as i tota( pit+$ da#kess $e took t$e *(i!$t o* stoe

stai#s t)o a time- He a+ted as t$ou!$ s$e )ei!$ed ot$i!- T$e mus+(es i $is a#ms% ad *o# t$at matte#

e.e#,)$e#e e(se% )e#e o".ious(, ot 6ust *o# s$o)-



>

He ki+ked ope t$e "ed#oom doo# ad "a+ked i +a##,i! $e#- A *(as$ o* (i!$ti! 2i!2a!!ed i t$e sk,

outside t$e stoe mu((io ad *o# a momet s$e sa) t$e #oom ad $im-

B, t$e time $e (aid $e# o t$e *ou#0poste# ad 6oied $e# t$e da#kess $ad +(osed "a+k i a#oud t$em(ike a "(aket% "ut t$e memo#, o* t$e p#ima( eed et+$ed ito $is da#k *eatu#es sta,ed )it$ $e#-

S$e *e(t $is $ads o $e# "od, st#ippi! o** $e# #emaii! +(ot$es% $is tou+$ addi! *ue( to t$e *i#e o*

*#ust#atio t$at )as !#o)i! iside $e#-

S$e +ou(d $ea# $is "#eat$ +ome *aste# as $e tou+$ed $e# "#easts% )ei!$i! ad +uppi! t$em i $is

$ads0", )$i+$ time s$e )as ot "#eat$i! at a((-

As $is $ads s(id do) $e# "od, s$e #e+a((ed #eadi! some)$e#e t$at a pe#so&s i$i"itios )e#e *#eed

i t$e da#k- It $ad to "e t#ue "e+ause o) s$e *oud $e#se(* taki! $is $ad ad p#essi! it a!aist t$edamp ape/ o* $e# (e!s% u#!i! $im to tou+$ $e#-

&T$is is&t me%& s$e )$ispe#ed as $e s(id *i!e#s ito $e# $eat ad dampess% +ausi! $e# "od, to a#+$(ike a "o)- S$e )as o *i#e% s$e )as me(ti! --- s$e )as a+$i!-

&We((% )$oe.e# ,ou a#e% +a#a% ,oue t$e "est t$i! t$at $as $appeed to me i a (o! time-&

S$e (et out a +#, o* p#otest )$e $e (e.e#ed $imse(* o** $e#% "ut (ite#a((, se+ods (ate# $e #etu#ed ad

$is +(ot$es )e#e !oe- T$e ski0toski +ota+t set a s$o+k )a.e t$#ou!$ $e# "od,% "ut it a(so seemed

to ki+ksta#t $e# atu#a( isti+ts ito (i*e-

&Youe "eauti*u(5& S$e *e(t $e# *i#st #us$ o* *emiie po)e# as s$e (aid a $ad *(at o $is +$est ad a

#ipp(e s$udde#ed t$#ou!$ $is "od,- &God% ,ou *ee( so !ood-&


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It )as (i"e#ati! ad )i(d(, e/+iti! to s(ide $e# *i!e#s o.e# $is smoot$ ski ad $ea# $is $a#s$ itake

o* "#eat$ as $e# *i!e#s ta!(ed i t$e $ai# o $is +$est "e*o#e s(idi! (o)e#- T$e #ipp(i! ma(e st#e!t$

o* $is "od, *as+iated $e#-



60

He# e,es +(osed ti!$t% $e# "#eat$ +omi! i ti, !ust, pu**s% s$e (et $e# $ad t#ai( e.e (o)e#-

He# !asp ad $ast, )it$d#a)a( soo a*te#)a#ds d#e) a (o) $usk, +$u+k(e *#om t$e ma "eside $e#-

&I said it $ad "ee a (o! time-& He kissed $e# mout$ ad "#eat$ed t$i+k(,- &It&s )$at ,ou do to me-&

Ad6usti! $is positio so t$at t$e, (a, *a+e to *a+e% $e pu((ed $e# (e! a+#oss $is $ip- He (et $e# *ee( $isa#ousa( a!aist $e# "e((,% t$e d#e) $e# $ad do) "et)ee t$em% +u#(i! $e# *i!e#s a#oud t$e $a#d

s$a*t-

A *(as$ o* $eat )as$ed o.e# $e# "od, as t$i!s s$i*ted ad ti!$teed (o) i $e# pe(.is- &You a#e

i+#edi"(e --- &

T$is time it )as Cesa#e )$o pu((ed $e# $ad a)a,% sti*(i! $e# sma(( +#, o* p#otest )it$ $is mout$- As

t$e, kissed )it$ a *e.e#is$ despe#atio t$ei# "odies p#essed ito oe aot$e# as t$e, *ou!$t to "e oe-

T$e ati+ipatio (od!ed (ike a *ist "e$id $e# "#east"oe as $e *(ipped $e# oto $e# "a+k- He )as a da#k

s$ado) a"o.e $e# as $e (aid a $ad eit$e# side o* $e# $ead-

A *#a+tu#ed si!$ (e*t $e# (ips as $e ise#ted a kee "et)ee $e# (e!s ad opeed t$em "e*o#e sett(i!"et)ee t$em- As $e t$#ust up ad ito $e# a s$o+ked +#, )as )#e+$ed *#om Sam&s t$#oat at t$e

momet o* itimate

. .

i.as#o%

A"o.e $e# s$e )as +os+ious o* $im speaki! i t$e same toe as someoe mi!$t use to !et(e a

s+a#ed aima(- His .oi+e )as (o)% ad $e mi!$t $a.e "ee sa,i! a,t$i!0s$e did&t ude#stad a

)o#d o* Ita(ia"ut it souded i+#edi"(e- He a(so *e(t i+#edi"(e ad )$i(e s$e so#t o* ke) )$at +ame

e/t s$e +ou(d&t )ait to *id out-

S$e !#a""ed $is s$ou(de#s% s(idi! $e# *i!e#s do) t$e smoot$ +otou#s o* $is mus+(ed "a+k uti( t$e,+ame to #est o $is taut "utto+ks-



?

&It&s a"out o#!aisatioa( +$a!es-&

Sam a++epted t$e .a!ue e/p(aatio )it$ a s$#u!- &I&(( take m, t$i!s )it$ me% s$a(( I8&

&No $u##, --- o $u##,%& E#i+ said% (ooki! a)k)a#d as $e !a.e $e# s$ou(de# a s1uee2e-

Sam maa!ed to +o((e+t $e# t$i!s )it$out "umpi! ito a,oe s$e ke)- S$e )as $a(*)a, $ome

"e*o#e t$e a!e# ki+ked i ad s$e )as a#ti+u(ate a*te# t$e *a+t- A $ud#ed t$i!s s$e ke) s$e s$ou(d

$a.e said$au!$t,% +utti! t$i!s0popped ito $e# $ead- B, t$e time s$e #ea+$ed $e# "edsit t$e a!e#


47/120

$ad !i.e )a, to mise#,% se(*0pit, ad tea#s t$at "(ided $e# as s$e pus$ed t$e ke, ito t$e doo# ad (et

$e#se(* i-

S$e d#opped t$e t$i!s s$e )as $o(di! oto t$e *(oo# ad *(u! $e#se(* $ead(o! o t$e so*a-

T$e, $ad "ee sitti! i t$e statioa#, +a# *o# $a(* a $ou# "e*o#e Pao(o% sitti! i t$e d#i.i! seat%

spoke up-

&T$e#e is a (ad, +omi!% petite% s$e $as #ed $ai# ad s$e&s +#,i!-&

T$e (ast +ommet )as t$e +(i+$e#-

&S$e is !oi! ito t$e "ui(di!- & T$e t$i+kset Ita(ia +otiued speaki! i $is ati.e to!ue-

&We )i(( *o((o) $e#%& Cesa#e said% t#,i! ot to t$ik a"out t$e tea#s-

T$is )as a situatio )$e#e t$e eds de*iite(, 6usti*ied t$e meas-

Pao(o #espoded )it$ a a**i#mati.e !#ut% "ut e/p#essed o su#p#ise at t$e aou+emet- He $ad)o#ked *o# Cesa#e *o# te ,ea#s ad t$e #o(e #e1ui#ed *(e/i"i(it,- He )aited uti( Cesa#e $ad s(id *#om

t$e "a+k seat ad t$e p(a+ed a (i!$t !uidi! $ad uo"t#usi.e(, o $is emp(o,e#&s e("o) as t$e,

)a(ked to)a#ds t$e "ui(di! t$e )oma $ad !oe ito-

&It is t$e *i*t$ *(oo#% *(at


48/120

&Y ou )is$ me to )ait8&

&No- I )i(( +a(( )$e I eed ,ou-&

Sam )as sti(( (,i! o t$e so*a )ea#i! $e# damp +oat )$e t$e doo#"e(( "e!a to #i!- It )as o(,

)$e t$e ma *#om t$e *(at upstai#s "e!a "a!i! o t$e *(oo# ad it "e+ame o".ious t$at $e# .isito#

)as ot !oi! to !o a)a, t$at s$e made a, attempt to #espod-



67

&A(( #i!$t% a(( #i!$t%& s$e mutte#ed% #ui! t$e "a+k o* $e# $ad a+#oss $e# damp +$eeks ad !(a+i!

)it$ disite#est i t$e mi##o# as s$e passed- T$e !(a+e #e.ea(ed a "(ot+$,% tea#0staied *a+e ads)o((e e,es su##ouded ", a $a(o o* )i(d% s(i!$t(, damp #ed +u#(s-

Si**i! ad pus$i! $e# $ai# "a+k *#om $e# *a+e% s$e opeed t$e doo# a +#a+k% "ut "e*o#e s$e +ou(d

eit$e# te(( $e# ois, .isito# to !o a)a, o# e.e 6ust +$e+k t$em out t$e doo# )as t$#ust ope ad s$e)as (i*ted "a+k)a#ds ito $e# +#amped $a(()a, as Cesa#e B#ue((i&s "#oad0s$ou(de#ed% si/0*oot*i.e

*#ame ete#ed $e# *(at-

4o# t$i#t, se+ods s$e )as too stued to sa, o# do a,t$i! at a((-

As $is $ads *e(( *#om $e# )aist Cesa#e )as ua"(e to dispe( t$e i((o!i+a( *ee(i! t$at t$e, $ad

"e(o!ed t$e#e0t$e, *itted- S$#u!!i! o** t$e )$imsi+a( idea% $e d#e) a $ad t$#ou!$ $is $ai# ad it

+ame a)a, )et- It $ad "ee #aii! outside-

&Sa, somet$i! o# I )i(( sta#t to t$ik I $a.e )ade#ed ito t$e )#o!

*(at- &

It )as a (ie- He +ou(d $a.e pi+ked out $e# su"t(e )oma(, *#a!#a+e i a #oom +#ammed )it$ $ud#edso* "odies% ad $e did&t t$ik t$is $ad a,t$i! to do )it$ some seso#, +ompesatio $e $ad

de.e(oped- His si/t$ sese $ad ot +ome out o* $i"e#atio% "ut t$e#e )as% it seemed% 6ust somet$i!a"out $e# t$at $e #ea+ted to o a a(most +e((u(a# (e.e(-

T$e mass o* #a) mas+u(iit, i su+$ a e+(osed spa+e set Sam&s e#.ous s,stem ad $e# "#ai ito+$aoti+ +o*usio- S$e e/pe((ed a (o! s$ak, si!$ as $e# )ide0e,ed !(a+e s(id do) t$e (o!% (ea

(e!t$ o* $im% a )eakess i.adi! $e# (im"s as a deepe# s$udde#, si!$ (e*t $e# )it$ pa#ted (ips- He

(ooked i+#edi"(e0t$e epitome o* ma(e "eaut, stadi! +(ose eou!$ *o# $e# to tou+$- O(, s$e )as&t

!oi! to0s$e sti(( $ad a !#ai o* !ood sese (e*t ad past e/pe#ie+e $ad tau!$t $e# t$at )$e a, *o#m

o* p$,si+a( +ota+t )it$ t$e Ita(ia took p(a+e t$i!s !ot da!e#ous(, up#edi+ta"(e-

S$e sta#ed +o.etous(, at $im ad )ode#ed )$at to do e/t0t$e 1uestio mi!$t "e a+ademi+ i* $e#$ea#t "eat a, *aste#- T$e mo(eski 6a+ket



68


49/120

$e )o#e $u! ope to #e.ea( a +(ose0*itti! +as$me#e s)eate#% "(a+k% (ike t$e 6eas t$at emp$asised $is

(o!% mus+u(a# t$i!$s ad sak, $ips-

S$e t#ied to d#a! $e# e,es a)a, "ut +ou(d&t stop sta#i!- T$e#e )as a s$ee o* moistu#e o $is !o(deski maki! it !(eam% ad t$e same moistu#e +(u! i si(.e#, d#op(ets to t$e (o! e,e(as$es t$at *#amed

$is "eauti*u( e,es-

He $ad ot $idde t$em "e$id da#k !(asses% "ut t$e Cesa#e B#ue((i )as ot a $idi! so#t o* ma- He

)as mo#e o* a $it0o"sta+(es0$ead0o so#t o* pe#so-

S$e suspe+ted t$at most t$i!s mo.ed0o# e.e #a0)$e t$e, sa) $im +omi!5 I* s$e $ad s$o) as

mu+$ sese% s$e #e*(e+ted "itte#(,% s$e )ou(d&t "e i t$is mess- A(t$ou!$ s$e supposed s$e )ou(d sti((

"e out o* )o#k% o(, it )ou(d "e "e+ause s$e $ad&t made t$e !#ade% )$i+$ )as&t as "ad as out o* )o#k

"e+ause s$e $ad&t made t$e !#ade ad )as p#e!at5

S$e *ia((, maa!ed to speak- &You did&t )ade# i% ,ou "a#!ed i ui.ited-& S$e t#ied $a#d to i6e+t

t$e e+essa#, de!#ee o* +o(dess ad disapp#o.a( ito $e# .oi+e% "ut it )as a up$i(( "att(e "e+ause it)as $a#d to "e +o(d )$e s$e )as sta#i! at $is mout$- &Ho) did ,ou !et $e#e8& S$e sta#ted at t$e

soud o* t$e doo# "ei! +(osed )it$ a audi"(e +(i+k- &Ad )$at a#e ,ou doi! $e#e8&

Hea#i! t$e #isi! ote o* es+a(ati! pai+ i $e# .oi+e% s$e stopped ad +(ea#ed $e# t$#oat-

&A+tua((, t$is is a "ad time *o# m0me --- &

T$e $usk, +at+$ i $e# .oi+e $ad a simi(a# e**e+t o Cesa#e as a e#.e edi! "ei! e/posed to +o(d

ai#- His "#o)s d#e) to!et$e# i a ste# (ie as $is *o#e$ead pu+ke#ed ito a *#o)- &Youe +#,i!5&

S+a(di! s$ame )as$ed o.e# $im- He *i#med $is 6a)% +ausi! t$e mus+(es a(o! t$e st#o! a!u(a#

out(ie to 1ui.e#- T$is )as ot t$e p(a+e *o# setimet3 $e )as doi! t$e #i!$t t$i!- It )as e+essa#,-

Sam si**ed ad p(a+ed "ot$ $ads a+#oss $e# mout$ to mu**(e t$e so" s$e *e(t )e((i! up i $e# t$#oat-



69

&Wi(( ,ou 6ust !o a)a,8& s$e p(eaded-

&No% I +ou(d&t i* I )ated to-& He passed a $ad a+#oss $is e,es ad smi(ed sa#doi+a((,- &I&m "(id%

#emem"e#-&

&I #emem"e#-& It )as sti(( $a#d to "e(ie.e% e.e mo#e so o) t$at $e $ad +o1ue#ed t$e demos o*

p#imiti.e *ea# $e $ad "ee )#est(i! i S+ot(ad- 'id $e #eset t$e *a+t s$e $ad see $im )$e $e )as

ot tota((, i +ot#o(8

&I +ase ,ou did&t #e+o!ise it% t$at )as "(a+k $umou#-&

&No% t$at )as "ad taste-&

&I&m *amous *o# it-&


50/120

Sam +ou(d&t #espod to t$e 1uip3 $e# *a+ia( mus+(es *e(t (o+ked i a t#a!i+ e/p#essio- &Look --- & S$e

paused% )ode#i! )$at to +a(( $im- S$e +ou(d&t +a(( t$e *at$e# o* $e# +$i(d Miste#5 &Look% Cesa#e0&

Some emotio s$e +ou(d ot ite#p#et *(i+ke#ed at t$e "a+ks o* $is e,es- &Was t$at so $a#d8& $e asked-

He# e,es )ideed- E.e t$ou!$ $e +ou(d&t pi+k up o t$e +ues o* "od, (a!ua!e ad *a+ia(

e/p#essios e.e#,oe took *o# !#ated% $e )as s+a#i(, pe#+epti.e-

&Was )$at so $a#d8&

&Sa,i! m, ame-&

S$e )as too emotioa((, )$a+ked to p#e.a#i+ate- &Yes% it )as-& Ad )$, ot8 A,t$i! +oe+ted )it$

$im )as $a#d )o#k5

&Cesa#e% t$e *a+t is I&.e $ad a "ad da,- T$e (ast pe#so i t$e )o#(d I )at to see is ,ou5& Ua"(e to stop

t$em% s$e *e(t t$e tea#s sta#t to #o(( do) $e# +$eeks o+e mo#e ad s$e )iped t$em a)a, )it$ t$e "a+k

o* $e# $ad-

&Sometimes it $e(ps to ta(k a"out it-&



70

&4o# !oodess& sake% do&t tu# kid ad ude#stadi! o)0ot u(ess ,ou )at me to +#, a(( o.e# ,ou%

ad t$at is&t a p#ett, si!$t%& s$e )a#ed $im da#k(,-

Cesa#e% )$o )as )e(( a)a#e t$at e.e t$e most !ee#ous o* +#iti+s +ou(d ot $a.e te#med $is #e+et

a+tios eit$e# kid o# ude#stadi!% #ea+$ed out ad tou+$ed t$e side o* $e# +$eek- S$e t)isted $e#

$ead a)a,% "ut ot "e*o#e t$e s$i.e# t$at #a t$#ou!$ $e# "od, +ommui+ated itse(* to $im t$#ou!$ $is

*i!e#tips-

&T$e ad.ata!e o* "ei! i t$e +ompa, o* a "(id ma% +a#a% is ,ou +a #e(a/ a"out t$e )a, ,ou (ook

ad ot )o##, a"out "ad0$ai# da,s-&

He mi!$t ot "e a"(e to see $e# *a+e o# #ead $e# "od, (a!ua!e% "ut Sam #e+o!ised )it$ a sese o*

disma, t$at s$e *e(t mo#e e/posed o e.e#, (e.e( )$e s$e )as ea# $im-

&I +ou(d e.e# #e(a/ i ,ou# +ompa,-& S$e "it $e# 1ui.e#i! (ips ad added "e*o#e $e +ou(d #ead

somet$i! #e.ea(i! ito $e# #eto#t% &I t#ied to ta(k to ,ou --- Cesa#e% ad a(( it !ot me )as a $eada+$e-Look% I&m so##,- I ko) ,ou )e#e o(, t#,i! to do t$e #i!$t t$i! ", su!!esti! )e !et ma##ied ---

,oue Ita(ia ad t$e *ami(, t$i! is --- &

S$e stopped as $e# s$ou(de#s "e!a to s$ake )it$ t$e e**o#t o* "iti! "a+k t$e so"s t$at )e#e (o+ked i

$e# t$#oat- He# $ead sak to $e# +$est as s$e "e!a to so" i ea#est-

He# mu**(ed +#ies to#e at Cesa#e&s $ea#t t$e )a, o )oma&s tea#s e.e# $ad-

He took a step *o#)a#d ad )a(ked ito a usee o"sta+(e- Steppi! o.e# it )it$ a +u#se% $e e/teded

$is $ads ad *e(t t$e si(k, top o* $e# $ead- S$e (i*ted it ad $is $ads s(id to *#ame it- He mo.ed a

t$um" a+#oss t$e )etess o* $e# +$eeks-


51/120

S$e si**ed ad +o.e#ed $is $ads )it$ $e# o)% "ut% istead o* pu((i! t$em a)a,% t$e, sta,ed t$e#e

$o(di! $is i p(a+e- &So##,% t$is is&t a"out ,ou- I $a.e to *o+us-&



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