* * * * *
After Talon left, Kathryn climbed beneath the scratchy blankets and snuffed out the light. Her thoughts scattered as she stared up into the darkness. The ship creaked and rocked beneath her, the sounds strange and disconcerting, the swaying motion renewing her nausea.
How would she bear three more weeks of this?
Despair settled around her like a black cloud. The events of the past few days had destroyed her optimism, and she didn’t know how to get it back again. The pale, beaten creature she’d become didn’t even resemble the strong, confident woman who’d been so sure she could seduce her husband and control her own destiny just a few short days ago.
Her life was spinning out of control, and she had no idea how to stop it. No matter how she turned the situation around in her mind, there was no way out. The ship had already sailed. There was no turning back the clock.
And then there was Talon. Just the thought of him sent that melting sensation spiraling down to the pit of her stomach. She could still feel the heat of his hands on her skin, still taste peppermint and desire on her tongue.
She’d never wanted anything the way she wanted to give in to this fierce attraction. In his arms, she might be able to forget her heartache. For a few glorious moments, there would be nothing in her world but that beautiful man and the wonderful things he made her feel.
Unfortunately, she knew she could never live with herself afterwards. The liberties she’d allowed Talon were inexcusable. Under no circumstances could she allow him to touch her again. Her willpower was nonexistent where he was concerned.
She had to pull herself together and honor the unbreakable vows she’d taken when she’d become Daniel’s wife. He was her cross, and since all her efforts to be free of him had failed, she simply must bear him.
In a day or two, she’d have to talk to her husband and figure out what their future held. She couldn’t bear the thought of giving birth to his child, not now, after what she’d seen. The best she could hope for was that they’d manage to build some sort of friendship.
She felt foolish to have ever wished for more.
