Unforgivable Mistakes, Unpaid Debts

yes was the sterile white ceiling of a hospital

s designer suit rumpled, a dark stubble shadowing his jaw. There

is expression was a mix

his voice low and tense. "That stunt with th

ce. All the pain, the hope, the love she' d felt for

ng to do with

urse not. How could it? I' m just the guy you pay to k

imbalance that had defined their relationship. A week ago

ntom pain of a wound that had finally scar

ymore," she said, her voice flat. "You

adable in his eyes. He started to say something, to explain. "Cora ju

her to a temporary arrangement, easily set aside for his real

escaped her lips. "Th

t. "The hotel staff got the door open. It w

isk efficiency, ignoring her protests. He helped her into his car

. The air in the car

said, breaking the silenc

The thought of food m

one she' d never been to. "You need something light," he said, h

e remembered she liked her food plain when she was stressed. For a moment

few spoonfuls. The warm porr

better?"

t, cheerful voice cut in. "Keeg

around his. She was dressed in a sunny yellow dress,

" she said, clapping her hands togethe

. It wasn' t about her. It was never about her. His habits, his preferences, the t

Keegan asked Cora, his voice softeni

graves," Cora said, pouting slightly. "The a

ntion of his parents. They had died y

said quietly. "

led a delicate silver locket from under her dress. It was old and slightly tarnished. "The one y

g it to him. "I think it' s

the worn silver. For a long moment, Haven thought he might put it i

of a deep, sorrowful affection. He g

thick with emotion. "She g