ed to a

, a warmth. Even without love, Shane couldn't deny the a

ly. "Shane," she said, her voice a touch unsteady, "I haven't ta

d like a brake

he cost of losing control. Children weren't part of his curr

cutting sneer. "It seems you've been givin

hing into the bedside table drawer with the other. He pulled out an un

r it open when his

ith one hand and bent down to kiss Linda. She resisted, turning her he

rated, Shane an

ther, Mrs. De

feeling well. Come home and see her. And bring *her* as well. Your

or the elderly. Mrs. Deborah, never one for

t her, his dark eyes assessing. After a moment's consider

randma's ill and wants to see you... If yo

ing depleted. Eventually, she t

d then at the unopened condom box on the bedside table. A slight tightening

d the stairs, Shane was al

d, leaving only

loor-length black skirt of the same material, r

the back, but Shane opened the p

tting into the c

. Shane gripped the steering wheel, his focus on the roa

rode in his car. Now, on the precipice of

ence wa

ed in the hills. As the ornate wrought-iron gates swung open, th

to Linda. "Grandma's frail, and she can't

or and replied in a fla

d the distance, taking her hand. He felt her initial resistance, bu

led slightly, but s

d, she frowned imperceptibly before saying quietly, "Dr. Peter Williams j

-law. After a long pause, M

pied with her own situation with Shane, she felt detached... Sh

gainst the pillows. Seeing Shane and Linda enter, her aged eyes brigh

y guided Li

ar and said, "I knew you weren't feelin

woman

hat? Are you and Linda finally having children?... Shane, child

ng deliberately provocative,

er any affection

lady, she announced, "I'm going

iled contentedl

th the special treatment for Maria? A few fireworks? Your wife will be

ks aside without explaining. He suspected Se

onversation, Linda re

ained impeccably dressed, radiating an air of dignity

momentary

Shane, you'll be 30 in two years. Others already have t

emained

s root powder cake, and replied, "Linda is sti

their issues but didn't

arvey's house. By the ti

lanced at Linda. She stared out th

, her profile wa

or a while and then p

he lights blurring past. He clearly

r your father to be admitted to the Hospital tomorrow, with th

gentle, almos

ed actions, but he wasn't ready to divorce... it would co

he could ge

ere top-notch. Sexually, at least, h

traffic light turned gre

ry Esther won't be coming to the house anymore. You

istened

igh, and she crossed her a

cter well. His concessions were a form of granting a

Maria. Which meant if she accepted his arrangement, Maria would c

't want to remain trappe

No, my father's docto

d on divorce. He felt anger rise within him. "Linda, don't forge

She replie

atience and said

villa they shared, he stopped the car and told th

suspicious, wanti

driven off and parked

er seatbelt and started to get out.