Isadora forced an awkward smile. "I... just wanted to take a walk."


    "A walk?" Eleanor echoed, skeptical.


    "Yes, the doctor said I should walk more. It''s good for the baby''s health."


    Eleanor tugged her coat tighter around herself. "Well, walking is fine when it''s warmer. If you catch a cold in this weather, it''s just not worth the risk." She started to shepherd Isadora back toward her room.


    But Isadora spun around, a hint of urgency in her eyes. "Mom, I..."


    "What is it?" Eleanor''s voice softened.


    Isadora closed her eyes for a moment, then took a deep breath and blurted out, "I need to go out for a bit. You should get some sleep-don''t wait up for me."


    Before Eleanor could respond, Isadora slipped past her and dashed out.


    "Oh, this girl-what''s gotten into her?" Eleanor muttered, hurrying to the window. She pulled back the curtain just in time to see Isadora rushing toward the front drive, heading straight for the Lamborghini parked outside.


    And standing beside it was that man.


    Eleanor shook her head ruefully. Daughters really do grow up too fast.


    She could only hope this Victor would take good care of Isadora-and that his wretched old mother wouldn''t make her daughter''s life miserable.


    *


    Isadora slowed to a stop a few yards from the car, letting the cold night air bite at her cheeks. Now that she was closer, she could see him clearly.


    Victor was lounging against the car, lookingnguid and strangely flushed, his longshes lowered, eyes closed. The breeze ruffled his short hair, entuating the sharp lines of his impossibly handsome face-a face that seemed both striking and harmless in the faint moonlight.


    The chilly darkness crept under Isadora''s skin. Pines rustled softly in the midnight hush.


    She stood there, silent, her gazeplicated-torn between worry, tenderness, and a love she barely dared acknowledge.


    After a long moment, she sighed and stepped forward, each footfall echoing the breaking of some fragile string inside her.


    She was falling, and she knew it.


    Victor heard her footsteps and slowly opened his eyes, watching as she approached.


    She wore soft white pajamas


    beneath a deep blue coat that fell to her thighs, the kind of outfit that


    made her seem gentle, all warmth


    and quiet beauty.  fo


    A flicker of surprise and delight crossed Victor''s face; a slow, crooked smile tugged at his lips.


    As Isadora came within reach, he caught her by the wrist and pulled her onto hisp, settling her securely across his knees.


    "You actually came?" His voice was low, rough with happiness.


    Isadora red at his wless face, so close to hers. "I came to collect your dead body."


    Victor let out a shortugh, burying his face in the crook of her neck and breathing her in. "I''m all yours, so do with me as you please."


    She frowned, frustrated by his recklessness.


    Then his voice, husky and tender, sounded above her. "I missed you."


    Isadora blinked. "We just saw each other this morning."


    Victor grumbled, sounding genuinely aggrieved. "That was six hours ago. Night and day. Why don''t you just move back to Summit Crest Estates, hmm?"


    She ignored the suggestion and reached up to touch his forehead.


    Scalding. He was burning up.


    "Your fever is terrible. You need to see a doctor-now."


    Victor still had his head tucked against her neck, utterly unbothered. "No need. I''m


    not dying."


    "Victor!" she snapped, exasperated.


    He finally lifted his head, looking


    vel


    her with soft, pleading eyes. He relented, "Fine. I''ll call the doctor toe to Summit Crest Estates. But you have to stay with me."


    Isadora nced back at the house. Well, so much for sleeping here tonight.


    When they headed back to Summit Crest Estates, Isadora refused to let Victor drive.


    Sports cars weren''t like regr sedans-the engines were too powerful, the eleration too sharp.