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

how openly she displayed her disgust, he

legal issues about protecting cultural artifacts," he continued, as if her rudeness didn't register. "So I'll be participating in

impatience. She didn't want to hear any

her cold profile, his mouth curving just slightly. "You really don't want to talk to me at all,

to you," she said, finally lifting her head and taking a steadying breath. Her eyes, icy and bright,

eyebrow. "Let's save that for after

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

Briony said, her tone

hadn't expected him to act like a normal person. Rolling her eyes,

James: The rain's really coming down out there.

typed back a

flashed on her screen. She answered and walked

you'll take off?"

there's lightning, so if it doesn't clear up, the

But the rain's letting up a

canceled, call me and I'll come pick you up," James

"Okay."

isn't, call your professor before takeoff-he'll need to know when to come get

Briony couldn't help but laugh. "You worry too much. You'll give

"If my goddaughter weren't in your belly, I wouldn't

lips pressed

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

Stewart's

...