Fire and Ice

     His proposition was tempting….  “Let me help you, Alisa.”  Zachary’s voice was a soft whisper that was oddly soothing and hypnotic.  “You’ve taken the world on your shoulders by making Chris your sole responsibility.  Haven’t you ever wanted someone to take care of you?”  As much as she wanted to, Alisa wouldn’t admit any such feelings to him.  She felt curiously vulnerable, unable to handle the uncharacteristic gentleness Zachary was displaying.  And she was afraid — afraid she’d give in to him.  She couldn’t let Zachary break down her defenses!

     “If anyone leaves, it will be you!”  Zachary laughed shortly with amusement and contempt at Alisa’s enraged expression.  “But then you can’t leave, can you, Mrs. Stuart?” he added tauntingly.  “Not unless you want to give up Christine.”  Alisa struggled to control her temper.  “I paid a high price to marry you so that I could maintain custody of my sister.”  Her voice became sweetly sarcastic.  “Therefore, I wouldn’t dream of leaving you my dear husband.”  In her heart, she really longed to escape the torment of her marriage.  But she loved Christine.  Keeping her was worth the sacrifice she had made.  It was worth living with a man who didn’t care for her – even while she knew that he was having an affair with another woman!