Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The heavy rain had delayed all departures, and Briony's flight was no exception.

She'd booked a first-class ticket, so she waited out the storm in the airport's VIP lounge.

To pass the time, Briony picked up a magazine from a nearby table and began flipping through it absently.

Suddenly, the polished toes of a pair of black dress shoes stopped right in front of her.

Puzzled, Briony looked up-and found herself staring into Stewart's dark, inscrutable eyes.

Her lips pressed together, and her brow furrowed, almost instinctively.

A faint, knowing smile played at the corner of Stewart's mouth. "Heading to Silveridge too?" he asked.

Briony felt a vague but unmistakable sense of foreboding settle in her chest.

"Judging by your face, I got it right," Stewart said, his voice low and even. "I'm on my way to Silveridge as well."

Briony said nothing.

He glanced at the empty seat beside her and, without the slightest hesitation, sat down.

"Are you going for the Antiquarian Society's documentary shoot?" he asked.

"That's none of your business," Briony replied coolly, barely giving him a glance before returning to her magazine.

After what had happened last time at City Hall the way Stewart had played her for a fool-she saw no reason to pretend civility anymore.

This man was selfish and manipulative, always looking out for himself, always finding new ways to use her. If that was the case, why should she bother maintaining appearances?

had underestimated

openly she displayed her disgust, he seemed

also cover some legal issues about protecting cultural artifacts," he continued, as if her rudeness didn't register.

impatience. She didn't want to hear

mouth curving just slightly. "You really don't want to

a steadying breath. Her eyes, icy and bright,

"Let's save that for after we

much. It wouldn't be the first time he dodged the issue; she wasn't about to be fooled by him

a compliment," Briony said, her tone flat. Stewart said nothing, his gaze fixed unwaveringly

to act like a normal person. Rolling her eyes, she turned

from James: The rain's really coming down out there. Has your flight

back a

James's name flashed on her screen. She answered and walked over to

when you'll take off?"

so if it doesn't clear up,

the rain's letting up a little

call me and I'll come pick you

"Okay."

before takeoff-he'll need to

know, Mr. Delaney." Briony couldn't help but laugh. "You worry too much. You'll

snorted. "If my goddaughter weren't in your belly, I wouldn't even be making

smiled, lips pressed

her, Stewart sat silently on the sofa, never taking his eyes off her. The lounge was quiet. Briony's conversation was soft, but even so, a gentle warmth crept into her voice-a voice that was naturally delicate, with a steady, comforting cadence. It was the kind of voice made for reading bedtime stories. Over the past five years, it had proven to be just that. Irwin, for one,

Stewart's eyes

...