face to her neck to her breasts。 Mockery faded when he looked at her
wedding band。 Frowning； he drew himself up straight。 〃I think I've had
it。 Good night。〃 As he brushed past her； she grabbed his arm in alarm。
〃Where are you going？〃
〃To bed。〃 His words were blunt； his tone chilled。
〃Oh； no； you're not。〃
He arched a brow。 〃Are you going to stop me？〃 Slowly he looked down at
the white…knuckled hand on his arm。
She released him fast。 〃But you can't stay here！〃 He continued on toward
his bags。 Unable to think of a better course； she followed。 〃I said； you
can't stay！ There must be some place in the village。〃
Piling luggage under his right arm； he headed wordlessly for the stairs。
Abruptly； he stopped； turning his head only enough to call over his
shoulder； 〃I assume you're sleeping down here？〃
She had no power； no power at all。 〃Yes； but you have to leave。〃
He turned to face her。 His smile was polite； his eyes frosty； his voice
cool。 〃I will in good time。〃 Taking the stairs two at a time； an
astounding feat； given his bulky burden； he disappeared into the attic；
leaving her at a total loss for words。
Anne didn't budge。 Her arms hung limp at her sides； her bare feet were
flat on the floor； her eyes were glued to the attic door； which closed
with a resounding bang。 Even the faint sounds from within…the scrape of
a chair leg