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In store after store, the clerks—the associates—smiled politely and said oui, madame, certainement They said it so easily that she should have known the answers had nothing to do with reality, and when they returned to their suite hours later, the second bedrooaily wrapped boxes and beribboned shopping bags

Marco had bought everything, or close to everything and when she protested he gave her a look that was serious and businesslike and he re allowance

When she began to protest, he looked at his watch, said they were running behind and she’d better getor they’d be late for their appointment

“I thought the French deal was all done,” she said

He shrugged “It is All but this one last detail” He looked at his watch again “You have half an hour, cara”

Half an hour?

Emily stared after him

The ht Thirty tonight How could she get ready in such a rush? And if he really thought she’d keep all those boxes full of outrageously expensive clothing…

She knew buying her all those things had pleased him

And yes, the job included a clothing allowance

Didallowances? Was she, after less than a week, histo happen Bad enough she was already a woht he knew but didn’t; she would certainly never be in a relationship based on sex and availability

And lies

Her own lies

E, shaky breath

How could things have gotten so complicated so fast?