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“A strong man,” she said, “allows himself to be vulnerable He shows his love at any cost A truly stronghe is—to his fa back!”

“And where did you learn that? Housekeeping school?” he sneered

“No,” she said si down his sarcash he never made a fortune, he made us feel every day like ere valued and loved”

Rafael sucked in his breath through his teeth

“Forget it,” he barked Pulling on some jeans and a black T-shirt, he stuffed his feet into black Italian-made shoes and headed for the door

“Where are you going?”

He looked back at her just once His face was dark in the shadows of the apartment

“Out,” he said

“Out? Out where? It’s ht!”

He gave a hard laugh “The night is young—for uess I’m too weak to stay” His eyebroered as he ordered her, “Be ready for ain” A cold smile curved his mouth “Perhaps not”

She stared at hi painfully in her throat

“Don’t do this, Rafael,” she choked out, blinking back tears “Stay and talk to me Please I want so much for us to—”

“I’ve had enough talk for one night,” he said coldly Opening the door, he walked out She saw hiuard outside as the door closed behind him

Louisa shook with humiliation and despair She went to theand stepped out onto the wrought-iron balcony, staring out into the twinkling lights of Recoleta and all Buenos Aires beyond it in the warht

Looking down, she watched Rafael leave the building, watched hi her face