“But—”

“Please don’t. I know you mean well, but I have to look out for her long-term interest.”

Blake drank his coffee and dropped the subject. “I’m only going to be in New York for the weekend. Senator Longhill is having a small campaign dinner and I should attend.”

“He’s the one who wants to give tax cuts to exports, right?”

“You have been listening.”

Samantha tossed her unruly hair back and raised an eyebrow. “All this beauty and a brain. Shocking isn’t it?”

“It’s nice to have a conversation with a woman outside of the bedroom.”

“Oh, ouch.”

“I suppose that isn’t fair.”

“I hope not. Otherwise I might have to draw a line between your words and what I’ve pictured as your father’s personality.”

Blake slammed his hand into his chest. “Oh, that hurt!”

“Honesty is our code word, my darling Duke. I’m sure all the women haven’t been that bad.”

“All the women, you make it sound like I had a harem.”

“You had a lot more than me.”

He laughed. “That wouldn’t have taken much, my darling Duchess.”

“Still…”

“I might have been able to talk to the previous women in my life, but I didn’t confide in them like I do you.” Blake’s eyes narrowed, as if he was surprised to hear his own confession.

That proved something… didn’t it? Blake had to feel more for her than any of the temporary women in his life.

“So you need to schmooze the Senator. Keep him on your side of the shipping fence.”

“Exactly.”

“When are you leaving?”

“Friday morning.”

She pushed aside her cold coffee and squeezed Blake’s hand. “I’ll miss you.”

His gaze traveled to hers before he pulled her hand to his lips for a tender kiss.

But her words weren’t repeated back.

****

Blake used to looked forward to cocktail parties. They were often a breeding ground for an affair, or maybe even a one-night stand. As he walked around the room, overflowing with beautiful women, his thoughts were of his wife. Of Samantha being by his side where they could mingle, drink, and comment about the different personalities in the room.

Her guilt over her sister was palpable. After returning from Moonlight their first day back, Samantha was close to tears. Jordan meant everything to her and Blake was helpless to relieve any of the stress related to Jordan’s care.

Sure, Jordan wouldn’t understand when it would be time for Samantha and her to move away, but surely the year would be worth it. With some effort, he and Sam had taken Jordan off Moonlight’s property for a trip to the zoo. The day had brought so many smiles to the girls’ faces that Blake wanted to play hero and make it possible for them to be together more.

The constant trips back and forth to Moonlight seemed to tire Samantha. She even skipped her morning exercise routine more than not. Blake didn’t mind since it meant he could spend more time with her before going to work.

“Penny for your thoughts?” A familiar and unwanted voice sucked him out of his daydream. He straightened his shoulders, ready to face a woman scorned.

“Vanessa.”

Much taller than Samantha, Vanessa in heels nearly looked him in the eye. As always, she was perfectly manicured, from the top of her blonde head, to the tips of her toes peeking through the jeweled stilettos cradling her feet.

The sweet smile she wore used to work, but now he only heard the term Samantha used for his ex… viper.

“So nice of you to remember my name.”

He supposed he deserved that. It wasn’t as if he had the opportunity to break it off with her before he decided to pick a bride from Samantha’s service.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” He kept his voice low and forced a smile on his face.

“I knew you were ruthless, I just never thought you were a coward. You could have told me about your plans. I might have been able to help you out instead of that mousy woman you’re—”

Blake lifted the hand he held his drink in, cutting her off. “Have some respect, Vanessa, Samantha is my wife.”

“For how long, Blake?” she whispered, leaning in.

His gaze narrowed, but his smile never fell. “Green isn’t a good color on you.”

Vanessa’s lips fell into a tight line. “Jealous… of her?” Her snide laugh brought a few eyes from the crowd toward them. “You’ve tied yourself to a woman raised by thieves. Trusting her with your last name will be your downfall.”

“Thank you for your concern.” The calmer he was the more upset Vanessa became. How did he not see this side of her when they were together?

“Women like her won’t be happy until they own your soul. You’ll wish it was me you’d asked to be your wife.” The viper said her peace and stood back.

He leaned in, so only she could hear his retort. “The only thing I wish for, Vanessa, was that I’d met Samantha before meeting you.” It was ugly, but he’d had enough of Vanessa’s venom spewing about his wife.

Instead of a glass full of liquor splashing in his face, Vanessa did something unexpected. A sick smile spread over her lips as if she held the world in her hands. “Oh, my. You do care for the girl. Even better. Enjoy the pain, Blake.” Then she walked away.

****

Blake extended his trip to New York through Wednesday, which would have sucked even more had Samantha been feeling better. She made good use of the time by making an appointment with her long-time doctor and friend to obtain a more convenient source of birth control.