Hours to Cherish by Heather Graham Read Free Book Online Page A

now a little weary, a little harsh. “You’re still my wife and indebted to me as well. I want my two months, Cat. If you want a divorce after that time, I’ll see to it that it’s quick and easy for you. And in the meantime, I’ll keep my identity secret—your fiancé won’t know a thing.”
    “No! I don’t need to bargain with you! I can get a divorce right now with no deals,” Cat interrupted. “Desertion,” she added, “is considered excellent grounds.”
    “Not, Mrs. Miller, if the judge is willing—where you are not—to hear what did happen and where I’ve been.”
    Icicles suddenly seemed to form in Cat’s bloodstream. He was so certain. For a moment her heart lurched heavily against her chest. Some secret part of her was crying out, a part that had never forgotten how she loved him. Where had he been? Dear God, what had happened? Was there a legitimate excuse for disappearing for almost seven years?
    No. She clenched her eyes tightly closed. She had made a new life. She was strong, she felt a comfortable love for a man who gave her everything so gallantly … a man with whom she had only ever had one argument … a man with whom she could reason.
    “Clay,” she said coldly. “I’m in love with Jules.”
    “Are you?” He appeared only mildly interested. “Then I suggest you agree to humor me. Two months. Then I’ll disappear quietly, if that’s what you wish, DeVante none the wiser.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous,” Cat protested, lifting her chin. “I’ll tell Jules you’ve made an appearance—”
    “Will you?” Clay asked, his incredulity lacing the two softly spoken words. “I think not. Mrs. Miller.” He took a step toward her on a lynx-light tread. “I told you, dear wife, I know everything about you at the moment—that includes a tremendous amount of information about Monsieur DeVante. The man has no backbone—”
    “How dare you judge Jules!”
    “—and when I saunter up to introduce myself as your husband, he’ll be long gone with the wind.”
    “You’re wrong!”
    “No.” Clay shook his head, almost sadly. “You’re too much of a woman for him, Cat,” he added softly. “I’m not wrong, but take your chances, if you choose. You’re my wife, and you owe me. The next step is yours. One way or the other, I’ll get my two months.”
    Cat stared at him, and then the sound of his voice permeated her system. A wave of heat assailed her, striking from deep within her, spreading furiously throughout. Memory of her marriage had become a distant blur, shrouded with the misery of tears. But suddenly she could remember lying in his arms, responding to the fever of his wild demands … touching him … feeling his lips, hot, fervent, moist, seeking all her pleasure centers. She could remember that more recent feeling in the water simply because he breathed … because his lips touched her ear.
    “No!” she said again, aware that the flame of her feelings had crimsoned her face. “You can’t force me—”
    “Into my bed?” He chuckled lightly.
    She couldn’t prevent herself from blushing, but she could will her chin to remain high, her eyes to lock with his. “I really can’t see the need. I’m sure you must have tremendous success elsewhere. To the unwary, those eyes must be magnets and you know damned well you’re built like a brick wall.”
    “Glad you approve.” He laughed, the jet light in his eyes taking on a rakish twinkle, “even if the approval is totally objective!” He turned from her, heading for the door, and his voice changed again, losing amusement, becoming harsh. “I don’t remember saying anything about forcing you into bed, Cat I simply want your time. However, if memory serves me, I wouldn’t even need to be persuasive … for long.”
    “Get out of here!” Cat gasped.
    He paused, turned around, and smiled. “That is what I was doing.”
    She stood silent, her eyes glittering emerald antagonism.
    “I will see you later, Cat. And