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it right. I’ll make it all right.”

      â€œYou … can’t,” she whispered between sobs. Yet Tony’s strength gave her immeasurable comfort.

      â€œI can. I will. We’ll do it together.”

      Before Rena could formulate a response, Tony lifted her up, one arm bracing her legs and the other supporting her shoulders. “Hold on to me,” he said softly, “and try to calm down.”

      Rena circled one arm around his neck and closed her eyes, stifling her sobs, every ounce of her strength spent.

      Tony walked through the vineyard, holding her carefully. In the still of the night all that she heard was the occasional crunch of shriveled leaves under Tony’s feet as he moved along.

      When he pushed through the door to her house, her eyes snapped open. He strode with purpose to the bedroom and lay her down with care, then came down next to her, cradling her into his arms once again. “I’m going to stay with you until you fall asleep.”

      Rena stared into his eyes and whispered softly, “I hate you, Tony.”

      He brushed strands of hair from her forehead with tenderness then kissed her brow. “I know.”

      The sweetness of his kiss sliced through her, denting her well-honed defenses.

      He took off her shoes and then his own. Next he undressed her, removing her knit top over her head and unzipping her jeans. She helped pull them off with a little tug, ready to give up her mind and body to sleep.

      Tony covered them both with a quilted throw and tucked her in close. She reveled in his warmth and breathed in his musky scent despite herself. “Just for the record, sweetheart,” he began, “I’m not here just because of the promise I made to David. It goes much deeper than that. And I think you know it.”

      Rena flinched inwardly, confusion marring her good judgment. She should pull away from Tony, refusing his warmth and comfort. She couldn’t deal with his pronouncement. She couldn’t wrap her mind around what he’d just implied. Yet at the same time, she needed his arms around her. She needed to be held and cradled and reassured.

      Was she that weak?

      Or just human?

      â€œGood night, Rena.” Tony kissed her lips lightly, putting finality to the night. “Sleep well.”

      Rena slept soundly for the better part of the night but roused at 3:00 a.m. to find Tony gone from bed. Curious, she slipped on her robe and padded down the hallway. She found him sprawled out on the living room sofa with his eyes closed. He made an enticing sight, his chest bare, his long lean, incredible body and handsome face more than any woman could ever hope to have in a mate.

      Rena shivered from the coolness in the room. She grabbed an afghan from the chair and gently covered Tony, making sure not to wake him. She lingered for just one moment then turned to leave.

      â€œDon’t go,” he whispered.

      Surprised, Rena spun around to meet Tony’s penetrating gaze. “I thought you were asleep.”

      â€œI was—on and off.” Tony sat up, planting his feet on the ground and leaning forward to spread his fingers through his hair.

      â€œSorry if I disturbed your sleep.”

      Tony chuckled without humor. “You did. You do.”

      Stunned by his blunt honesty, Rena blinked.

      â€œSleeping next to you isn’t easy, Rena.” Tony shook his head as if shaking out cobwebs. “Sorry, I wish I could be more honorable, but you’re a handful of temptation.”

      Rena’s mouth formed an “oh.”

      Tony stared at her. “You shouldn’t find it shocking that I want to sleep with you. You remember how we were together.”

      Rena’s spine stiffened. “Maybe you should sleep in another room.”

      â€œI have a better idea.” He took her wrist and tugged her down. She landed on his lap. Immediately, he stretched out on the sofa, taking her with him. “Maybe I should make love to my wife.”

      A gasp escaped from her due to his sudden move. “Oh.”

      He untied the belt on her robe, his tone dead serious. “I want you.”

      His hands came up to push the robe off her shoulders, revealing the bra and panties she’d slept in. His appreciative gaze heated the blood in her veins. “You can’t blame me for that.”

      â€œNo. But for so many other things,” she said quietly.

      â€œI get it, sweetheart. I understand.” Tony pulled the robe free, exposing her fully.

      Positioned provocatively, feeling his hard length pressing against her, excitement zipped through her system. Her breathing rough, she barely managed to utter the question. “Do you?”

      â€œYes, I do. And I want to make it up to you. Let me do that,” Tony said, cupping his hand around her head and bringing her mouth to his. He kissed her softly. “Let me wipe away the pain.” Again his lips met hers. “Let me help you heal, sweet Rena. You’ve been through so much.”

      His sincerity, his tone, the breathtaking way he looked at her softened the hardness around her heart. She wanted to heal, to release her defenses, to feel whole again.

      â€œTony,” she breathed out, unsure of her next move.

      â€œIt’s your call, sweetheart,” he said, stroking her back in a loving way that created tingles along her spine. Another notch of her defenses fell.

      Images flashed of the good times she’d had with Tony. The fun, the laughter and the earth-shattering lovemaking they’d shared. As much as she wanted to forget, the good memories came back every time he touched her. “I want the pain to go away,” she whispered with honesty. Even if it was only for a short time tonight.

      â€œThen let me take you there.”

      She closed her eyes, nodding in relief, surrendering herself to the moment. “Yes.”

      Rena touched his chest, her fingers probing, searching, tantalizing and teasing. He felt incredibly good. Strong. Powerful. She itched to touch him all over.

      Bringing her head down to his, she claimed his mouth in a lingering kiss. She took it slow, pushing aside her misgivings. His body seemed in tune with hers. Every little action she took brought his sexy reaction. Every moan she uttered, he answered with a groan. She liked being in control. It was the first time she’d ever taken the reins so fully, and Tony seemed to understand what she needed. He encouraged her with a gleam in his eyes and a willing body.

      â€œI’m all yours,” he whispered.

      Her breath caught. She knew he meant it sexually, but Rena seized on the reality of that statement. He was all hers. But what she didn’t know was, could she ever be all his?

      â€œYou’re thinking again,” Tony scolded with a smile.

      â€œGuilty as charged.” Rena reached around to unhook her bra, freeing her breasts. Letting her bra drop, she freed her mind as well, pushing all thoughts away but the immediate here and now.

      Tony reached for her then, his touch an exquisite caress of tenderness and caring. He kissed her lovingly, cherishing every morsel of her body with his lips and hands until his unexpected compassion seeped into her soul.

      Their lovemaking was sedate and measured, careful and unflappable one moment, then crazy and wild, fierce and fiery the next. They moved in ups and downs, from highs to

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