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I take a deep breath and ease toward the door that the driver is now holding open I am stopped, however, by Damien’s hand upon s out of his jacket and puts it aroundenough to curseout forhim, and I turn in the limo and pull him close and press a quick, firm kiss to his lips "I love you," I whisper, and hope those si

His eyes lock on mine "I know," he says "Now put the jacket on"

I nod, understanding the unspokenout for ue with him about that; after all, I feel the same way

I climb out of the car and stand up, my Public Nikki smile plastered acrossall of Europe and the States and even Asia I’ my emotions that I’m certain I look cool and confident I’rips er, but it’s i to have to accept that Until this is over--one way or the other--I’e I only hope that in the end, I can tumble into Damien’s arms, and not fall the other direction where I am left to plummet into the abyss alone

"Herr Stark! Fräulein Fairchild! Nikki! Dalish, soes, too, that I do not recognize

Ever since I arrived in Munich, the press has been all over us And not just about the trial No, the tabloids are just as eager to analyze Da on endlessly about leefully digging through theirphotos of Damien with the steady stream of other women who have been on his arm Runway models Actresses Heiresses Damien told me himself that he used to fuck a lot of women And he told me that none of them were special For him, there is onlythose pictures on newsstands and all over the television and Internet

Right now, though, I’d be happy if the press’s only interest in us ho Da with But that is not the focus of their attention today Today, they’re out for blood, and enda

It isn’t until we cross the threshold and enter the building that I realize that I have forgotten to breathe I glance at Dae a wan smile He shakes his head "If I could have left you in the hotel today, I would have"

"I’d rather die than not be here with you" Unfortunately, I think, being herewith attorneys and court personnel, allI barely notice the, and it’s with a bit of surprise that a uniforuard hands h security

A polishedtoward us This is Charles Maynard, the attorney who has represented Damien since he burst onto the tennis scene as a nine-year-old prodigy He holds out his hand for Dao to me "Hello, Nikki The row of seats immediately behind the defense table is reserved for rateful If I can’t be beside Damien, at least I’ll only be inches away

"We should talk before this begins," he continues, his words directed to Dalances at me "You’ll excuse us?"

I want to scream in protest, but instead I nod I don’t try to speak, too afraid that my voice will shake and betray me

Damien reaches out and squeezes my hand "Go on in," he says "I’ll see you shortly"