Part 216 (2/2)

He was silent on the ride home. It didn't seem to bother Emma. She was

half asleep beside him. Pretending to be asleep, Drew decided. She'd

probably already made plans to meet that creep Kesselring.

He imagined them together-in some fancy hotel suite, groping around in

bed. It almost made him laugh. Kesselring would be in for a

disappointment when he discovered pretty little Emma was a dud between

the sheets. But Kesselring wasn't going to have the chance to find out.

No one cheated on Drew Latimer. He was going to drive that point home

very shortly.

She was half dreaming when the limo stopped. With a sigh, she settled

her head on Drew's shoulder as he led her into the lobby.

”I feel as though I've been up all night.” On a sleepy laugh, she

snuggled against him. ”And the whole night seems like a dream. I don't

think I can manage to wait up for the reviews.”

It was as though she were floating, Emma thought. And it felt

wonderful. She slipped out of her wrap the moment they were in the

door. ”I think I'll-”

He hit her. A resounding blow that sent her tumbling down the two tiled

stairs into the living room. Moaning, she touched a hand to the side of

her face. ”Drew?”

”b.i.t.c.h. You sneaky, conniving b.i.t.c.h.”

Dazed, she watched him advance on her. Instinct had her trying to slide

away. ”Drew, don't. Please. What did I do?”

He yanked her up by the hair, slapping her again before she could

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