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ter with reports on the situation on Novador, which included the joyous news that the Federation had abandoned its plans to enforce the Stratu an end to s and brought stability Mason also added a anecdotes about his students’ exploits She in turn updated hione better than she’d expected and her renewed studies in bio She hoped to find work in a local hospital, but for the tiherself to mention was the reason the court had been lenient She needed to explain it to his face
Gradually, as she and Mason adapted to a long-distance relationship, he wrote of his deepest feelings and desires The control he’d come to expect over her life remained in a subtler form He inquired whether she masturbated, about her sensual needs and her fantasies He required her to write the request, but she’d come to enjoy those hty scenes and transs via a private communication channel Mason always co he found the
So why the doubt—not once had he said he wouldn’t coainst a tree, sheltering fro it rhythmically
He eht it was ato see through the haze, she squinted as he approached Tall Broad about the shoulders Pale skin Tattoos on his bare arms It had to be him!
With a whoop of joy, she tossed aside her hat and attempted to run toward hi Instead, he picked up speed and halted a few paces away fro at her belly, his face was remarkably composed She’d expected him to be shocked at her condition
“You’re pregnant,” Mason acknowledged
She nodded “It’s yours” Of course it was; she’d not shown the slightest interest in any other man “I didn’t tell anyone about you, because you’re a ht ruin your reputation… So I said it was somebody I’d met casually in the Relief Corps, nobody special…” Her parents hadn’t appeared convinced by her explanation However, they were too pleased at having her safe and home to demand the truth from her
“I’ap
His pale eyes searched her face and she flinched slightly As reunions went, it wasn’t going well He’d not kissed her or even touched her She’d omitted the truth in her letters, yes, but she had her reasons
“I didn’t want to involve you, not until I knew…” She couldn’t admit she’d held doubts
“That I would come back?” He tut-tutted loudly But when she looked up at him, he wasn’t cross, more bemused by her shameful admission “That’s why you kept it a secret from me I don’t blame you,” he added quickly
“But, I was starting to lose faith and I feel terrible about it I’d convinced hed, “then our child would be a memory of you and I would love him, or her, as much as I love you”
“Yes, you lied to ree You were protecting me” The corner of his lips twitched nervously “However, it is no surprise that you carry my child I mated with you that last time we had sex I planted my seed—it is our custom on Ixzar for the s rong withof me by your side forever”
Her heartbeats fluttered with excitement Her condition was no accident and he also had feared that he would not be allowed to find her
“The Federation lauded you—”