Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

to heal.”
Would she be as optimistic if she knew what had happened?
I glanced down at my watch. “I need to go now.” Then, and I wasn’t sure
why I cupped her cheek and pressed a light kiss to her mouth. “I appreciate your
efforts.”
Surprise crossed her face. The same surprise I felt since minute one of our
marriage. She wasn’t anything like I expected. She could have given in to
teenage hysterics, but instead she tried to handle the tasks of her new life.
She handled them in a kind and lovely way. She seemed too good to be true.
I pulled back and went downstairs. Elia waited for me in front of my car to
get further instructions. Remembering last night and this morning, a hint of
reluctance filled me when I thought about my arrangement with Elia, but it
wasn’t enough to make me abandon the matter. Giulia had done nothing to
deserve this, but I needed certainty before her loveliness had me wrapped around
her finger and made me blind to a hurtful truth.
My kids wouldn’t survive a repeat performance of their mother’s demise.