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Across the ancient city the floodlit Parthenon blazed on the Acropolis But Rosalie, standing on the balcony of Xandros’s apart, was blind to it Blind and deaf to everything except the thought pounding in her head like a merciless drum

You have to tell him—you have to tell him

She had to tell Xandros what her father had said Threatened Because it had been a threat—a stark and ruthless threat No baby—no er

She felt her stomach clench

We thought ere out the tables on him Now he’s turned them back on us!

The feeling of sick disain, and she could not rid herself of it How could she not dread having to tell Xandros? Tell hi That theto be impossible to achieve

I have to tell hiht!

She wanted—craved—a little longer with hier

With a s indoors Xandros would be hoe for the dinner dance they were going to tonight She had another new evening gown to show off to him She must look as beautiful as she always strove to look for hilint with admiration and desire

Just give

As though itto be the hardest thing in the world

Xandros was leading her out onto the dance floor, taking her into his ar as superb as he always looked in black tie, and she knew by the expression in his eyes as he gazed down at her that she was spectacular, in a sune satin, with diamond drops at her ears, her hair upswept into an elaborate style, her make-up full and dramatic

All around were couples equally resplendent, and chandeliers glittered above the to him as he whirled her around—a forht aith thethe high life Living the dream

But as the dream? What would it be worth to me, all this lavish luxury, if I wasn’t here with Xandros?