Love's Last Gamble

ng inside was not quieted by the gentle hum of the fluorescent lights above her. After everything, she hadn't anticipated seeing him again. But

in his face that wasn't there before. He appeared to be human. At risk. Confusion was an emotion she hadn't anticipated when sh

a silky but guilty-soundi

he lies, the treachery. That night on their anniversary, when everything she had worked so hard to build with him fell apart, still hurt her.

acked. "After what you did, you believe you have the ri

it. "Delilah, I never intended to cause

ted. "You didn't intend to cause me harm? So why did you? Her voice was h

to the gut with every syllable. But something strange, like the spark of a flame

thing heavily. "You ruined everything, Cooper," she said in a tremulous

etrayal was too recent to forgive, and the rage was too great. However, buried beneath year

ing. Cooper's presence was like a storm cloud pressing down on her, making the gallery feel even more cramped and oppressive. H

such earnestness that it nearly broke her. "I had no intention of hurting you.

her, the promises that now seemed like hollow echoes. Unshed tears clouded her vision as her chest constricted. B

him authority she didn't want to give, and she felt small and defenseless. She swallowed the lump in her throa

he silent room. She couldn't bring herself to look at

er. "Delilah, only one chance. One o

skilled at restoring her faith in him. She forced herself to swallow as

iously been filled with love for her. Between them, the b

ed, "One chance?" "You don't

under her was moving, threatening to engulf her completely. Now, was this all she could do? clinging t

ervened, his eyes meeting hers right away. When he noticed the strain in her physique and the tiredness

eelings enveloping her. He was really concerned, and for the first time in what seemed lik

his eyes darkened at the sight of Xavier. Delilah briefly felt like a pawn in a game she didn't u

ah glanced from man to man, her heart tightening. Cooper, who had once been her entire world but

said in a low, menacing voice. Delilah stood in the trail of his words as he

ier moved forward, his hand out toward her as though he could sense her weakn

help you heal, Delilah," a

she gazed into his eyes, she saw love and generosity that restored her

th a tone of subdued

he eye. She said, "I'm not sure anymore," in a voice t

begin anew? Or was she boun