Page 62 (1/2)

"I want your word that you will teach her about the world"

"Fine"

"Tomorrow"

He frowned "Sooner or later-"

'Tomorrow"

"Fine, Mother I'll sit at her bedside and wipe the

150

drool froodforsaken world we live in Maybe she'll even understand so after I say hello"

Maeve seemed unable to stop a quick smile "We shall see who learns what"

Ian rolled his eyes "Good night"

"Good night, Ian Selena and I shall "

"Of course you will, Mother No doubt you'll be analyzing Plato"

He saw her reaction, knew instantly that he'd hurt her He wished he could take the bitterness in his voice back, wished he'd si sentence

She expected so that hadn't been a part of their relationship in years, in a lifeti He didn't know But he could see now, in her sad, sad eyes, that he had failed her Again

"Oh, Ian " Shea pale, slim hand At the last moment, when she was so close that he could see the sheen of tears in her eyes, and the network of lines around her ain