He was so close she could smell the faint scent of disinfectant and perfume clinging to him.


    Thebination made her stomach churn, and she reached for the doorknob, desperate to get away.


    But he blocked her again.


    "Where are you going?"


    Seeing her instinctively recoil, a sh of annoyance crossed Lionel''s eyes. He grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to turn and face him.


    She could feel the heat of his body pressing against hers, trapping her.


    "It''ste. Where are you trying to go?" he asked, his eyes half-closed as he looked down at her.


    She had just showered, and her fair skin was flushed from the hot water. A few damp strands of hair clung to her neck, and a droplet of water traced a path down her corbone, disappearing into her nightgown.


    Lionel''s Adam''s apple bobbed. His hand moved from her shoulder to her waist, pulling her into his arms.


    Hannah was caught off guard, stumbling into his embrace. Her cheek was pressed against his chest, and she could hear the strong, steady beat of his heart.


    She remembered a time when he was so weak, she would press her ear to his chest just like this, listening to the faint rhythm, praying it would grow stronger.


    But now...


    Her eyes flew open, and she pushed against his chest with both hands.


    "Let me go!"


    The more she struggled, the tighter he held her, as if trying to merge her body with his.


    "Isn''t this what you''ve always wanted? Why are you fighting me now? ying hard to get?" Lionel''s voice was a low, coldugh.


    His words,ced with mockery, sent a hot flush to her ears. She couldn''t bring herself to meet his gaze.


    Three years of marriage, and he had never hugged her. Why now?


    It had to be because Sandra was in the hospital, and he needed an outlet.


    "Let go of me. I have work to do."


    "What work is more important than satisfying me?" Lionel swept her up into his arms.


    Instinctively, Hannah wrapped her arms around his neck, a move that only earned her a more triumphantugh.


    "Your body is far more honest than your mouth."


    Before she could protest, he crossed the room in three strides andid her on the bed. Hisrge frame loomed over her, ning her down as he began to unbutton her nightgown.


    Hannah bit her lip hard, tears welling in her eyes, fighting to keep them from falling.


    "Lionel! Se gasped, her breathing


    growing heavy. "Have you forgotten


    what you said before we weret


    married?"


    He paused, and Hannah forced a bitter smile. "If you''ve forgotten, I can remind you."


    The day they got their marriage license, he had thrown the certificate at her face and snarled.


    "Hannah, you got what you wanted. But remember this: I will never touch you, and I will never love you."


    Those words were seared into her heart.


    She had thought it was just anger talking, but she soon learned it was the truth.


    For three years, she had been a wife in name only. No matter what she did, he never once looked at her.


    Lionel seemed to recall, his brow furrowing.


    Hannah seized the opportunity,


    ambling off the bed, grabbing ber


    guest


    room, locking the door firmly behind


    her.