“The girl hates me.” I sigh wearily. “I am not good with children.” Hugo smiles and kisses my forehead. “Let me worry about the girl, Valentina.” “I'm not sure if I want to be a stepmother. She’s mean.” He chuckles. “Kitty, she is a child. Try to get along with her.” “She didn’t sound like a child when she asked you if I was your whore. How long have you been fucking Hadassah? How close does she live to you?” “We need to talk about Hadassah, but not tonight. Maybe tomorrow.” “We will talk...

“Kelly!” A voice calls. “It’s Eddie!” “Why is he here so early? Tell him to come back later.” Leslie laughs. “We are farmers now. Most wake up at three or four to get an early start.” Eddie brought the livestock and the rest of Leslie’s order. They will be busy for hours. His kiss is fresh on my lips and I want more of his touch. He keeps the gun and pulls back the sheet for me. I want to get up with him. My husband wants me to rest. “Off to bed with you. I’ll be here when you wake up.”...

He crawls between my legs, lifts my knees, and thrusts into me. “You knew I was coming back.” I accuse him. “That’s why you married me.” Hugo’s eyes swirl with dark secrets when he smiles. “I fed you my blood for weeks, Valentina. You drank it like wine. My blood bonded with yours and brought you back. I wasn’t sure if it would. Your bloodline helped. No more questions.” Hugo kisses me and I let it go. I realize we aren’t buckled in for takeoff. Yet, I feel the plane ascending. I won’t...