Shattered Pieces

By Kayee Bradley

Marie Catherine DAubigne was a successful business woman, she had made a life for herself from practically nothing with the help of a wonderful man who was taken from her way to soon, creating a terrible void in her life. One bad decision is all it took to change her life forever and now Marie must deal with the consequences of this decision. Marie almost loses her life trying to protect her family from this crazed killer, who is intent on causing her death if he can not have her for himself. Realizing Marie has found love, he is hell bent on destroying it and anything that will make her happy. Marie is terrified of this man as she watches him slide further and further into madness, knowing it is her life he is trying to not only ruin but put an end to. Marie not only has to fight to stay alive but protect and save the love she has come to find after thinking it was gone forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Jun 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781483470894

Kayee Bradley

As far back as I can remember I have wanted to put pen to paper and create stories. Being the fourth child in a family of five not only is it an interesting placement in itself but add to that the age difference between myself and my siblings. The three were twelve to fifteen years older. Having a sister four years younger, sometimes it was like we had an extra set of parents. Add to that the time frame of growing up in the sixties I have accumulated a wealth of information. Life sometimes dictates other avenues for people for many different reasons and I was one of them. After traveling to many places in this country and abroad with my ex spouse who was in the military I have encountered many interesting people all of my life. I have stored and taken note on many things. As with a lot of military families I needed to work to help raise my children. I worked full time as well as taking courses when I could. This created my first career that would last for 12 years, then when my ex left the military I changed careers and that also lasted many years. Both careers allowed me to meet and become associated with many interesting and diverse people and places. Now at this point in my life with my children being grown I am in a position to pursue my passion, as well as spend time with my grandchildren. I write because I choose to, not for fame, glory or for notoriety but because I can. Who ever takes the time to read my books I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have enjoyed creating them.

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Bradley

Copyright © 2017 Kayee Bradley.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-7090-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-7089-4 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 05/31/2017

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Epilogue

About The Author

This book is dedicated to my best friend Linda Krawczak,

without her encouragement and support this book would not have been finished.

CHAPTER ONE

Mariè, did you hear me? Caroline asked the woman sitting across from her on the plane.

I’m sorry, Caroline. My mind was someplace else. Mariè said, returning her attention to Caroline. It’s just that with everything that’s happening, I’ve been very distracted.

I understand, Mariè, I really do. But, unfortunately, you are currently the only one able to finalize these contracts for the purchase of the oil company. Also, the courier will be waiting when we arrive in Miami to refuel. Caroline regarded her friend and employer with sympathy.

The events that had brought them to this point were taking their toll on Mariè. Her normally vibrant, hazel eyes held a worried look and she had dark circles underneath her eyes. Her olive complexion was pale and drawn. A thin headband, now loosely held her long, auburn hair usually pulled back in a chignon, back. Caroline knew that she was trying to put up a strong front, and so far, everyone else had bought into it. Everyone, that is, except Caroline. She had been working as Mariè’s secretary for three years, and in that period of time, they had developed something akin to friendship. Mariè wasn’t the type of person to let anyone get too close, but because they had worked so closely over the years, Caroline was one of the few that knew her well.

Mariè knew Caroline was right. Under the circumstances, she was solely responsible for the business that she and her partner, Jon Dubois, had created four years before. Jon had been on his way to Brazil to look at a diamond mine, they were considering for purchase, when his plane crashed on the edge of the Amazon. Jon and the pilot were the only survivors. Unfortunately, Jon was now in a comatose state and Mariè did not know if she would be bringing back a live business partner or a body for a funeral.

Mariè sat there gazing out the window of the plane. She suddenly felt more alone than she had in years. Mariè hadn’t felt this lonely since she left home when she turned eighteen. Her parents hadn’t wanted her to leave. Her father, in a drunken rage, had told her that if she left, she would never be welcomed back. So, she packed her suitcase and left, turning her back on the only family she had ever known. At the time, she had the confidence and self-assuredness that only an eighteen-year-old could have, she felt like she could conquer the world.

She chuckled to herself as she remembered the run down, tenement apartment she rented in Brooklyn, New York. She remembered the drunks on the street that were constantly begging for money or trying to grab her as she entered the building. She thought about the one room apartment where she could hear all the fights between her neighbors. The rent had been cheap, but with only her job at the drug store, she was often behind on the rent. She hated when she fell behind on the rent, because that was when the landlord would wait at her door until she got off work. He was usually drunk and would make lewd suggestions as to how she could make up the rent. Thankfully, because her Father was a drunk, she knew how to avoid him and his suggestions.

Mariè suddenly remembered how lucky she had been to have the job at the drug store. She thought back to how it all came about for her.

Mary Catherine Paul, she told the man at the employment office when he asked her name.

Well, Miss Paul, he said I’m sorry to say that there is nothing available for you now. You have no education beyond high school and you have no work history except odd jobs in high school. Until you get a little more experience, we can’t help you. Thank you for coming in and I hope you have a nice day.

Mary sat on the bench at the bus stop. She mumbled to herself Have a nice day.’ I can’t find work and may starve to death, but, have a nice day. What a twit, the jerk!

When the bus pulled up, she got on and found a seat. She was still holding the Want Ads section in her hand when she got off the bus fifteen minutes later. She had been to three interviews already, including the one at the employment agency, and she was tired and hungry. There was a drug store on the corner with Snack Bar in neon lights. She decided to go there and eat because it would be cheaper than going to a restaurant.

She walked into the snack bar area of the drug store and immediately saw a sign that read HELP WANTED. There was a girl behind the register at the counter, so Mary walked over to her and asked her about the job. The girl handed her an application and told her to fill it out. Mary filled out the application and handed it back to the girl, whose nametag said ‘Brenda’, and was then told to wait at the counter.

Brenda took the application to a man in a greasy apron behind the counter. After about twenty minutes, the man came over to talk to her. It says here that you worked part time in high school. Can you run a register? Can you start now? Before Mary could answer, the man handed her an apron and said, Don’t matter anyhow, we can train you. Put this on. You’re hired!

She soon found out that she would be doing a little bit of everything, from cleaning up and stocking shelves to cashiering. She was also expected to cover Brenda’s shifts, which happened quite frequently. She was usually either late or needed to switch schedules for one reason or another. The last time, she had to cover Brenda’s shift for three days in a row. When Brenda finally did show up, she was fired. This was fine with Brenda because, as she informed Mary, she had found something better.

Three weeks passed when Brenda showed up at Mary’s door. They had never been close friends, but they usually got along. In the seven months that they had worked together Brenda had come to Mary’s apartment only a few times. So, Mary couldn’t help but be suspicious of Brenda’s sudden appearance.

Mary, I know we’ve had our differences, but I have an opportunity that only comes along once in a lifetime. Brenda said as she walked through the door into the tiny living room that made-up Mary’s apartment.

Please, Brenda! I really am too tired to listen to one of your ‘golden opportunities’ again! Mary stated. She wondered how much this one would cost her if she agreed to it.

Now Mary. This time is different. Brenda said while walking across the room to fix herself a drink in the kitchen. Mary sat in the chair and thought to herself that it is always different. After a few minutes, Brenda came back into the living room. Mary, are you listening to me? Brenda asked as she made herself comfortable on the sofa. This is the perfect opportunity! Do you hear me? Just perfect.

Just like Jack was the perfect date? Mary replied, thinking back to the blind date Brenda had arranged between Mary and Brenda’s cousin, Jack. It had only taken five minutes for Mary to decide that Brenda would never again set her up on any dates. Jack was a mechanic with black tinged fingernails whose favorite past times were drinking beer and watching television. Mary had this vision of him married with three or four kids, and all he did was sit and watch sports in his boxer shorts. She decided very quickly that he was best kept at a distance. A very long distance!

Now Mary, Brenda said, that night wasn’t a total waste! You did get a good laugh out of it. Besides, this will make up for that.

Mariè, did you hear me? Caroline asked. The plane is getting ready to land and you need to fasten your seat belt.

Caroline, please forgive me. I’ve got quite a lot on my mind now. Mariè replied as she buckled her seatbelt.

Mariè, I have worked for you for three years and I feel I know you well enough to say that Mr. DuBois is more you than just a business partner. Caroling said to her as they were putting on their seatbelts to land. Judging from the look in Mariè’s eyes, she knew that she had struck a nerve.

Mariè looked at Caroline and said, You know that I don’t allow myself to get too close to anyone.

But, Mr. DuBois is not just anyone. Caroline replied softly watching her reaction.

You’re right, Caroline, he’s not. He’s my business partner and right now, I’m concerned for his life. Mariè replied in a tone that said there would be no more discussion on the matter.

Just then, the door to the cockpit came open. Excuse me, Ms. D’Aubignè. The pilot said upon entering the cabin. I don’t mean to interrupt, but I wanted to let you know now that we have landed there will be a four-hour delay before we can leave because of refueling and runway time.

Thank you, Kyle. Mariè answered, Let me know if there any changes.

Caroline looked over at Mariè. She could see the worry etched on her face. Caroline had never seen her so upset before. Mariè, I think what we need right now is a change of scenery. A nice walk might help to relieve some of the stress.

Caroline had the co-pilot come and let the steps down. They would go inside the airport to walk around while the plane was being refueled.

While they were walking through the airport, Mariè noticed a single, long stemmed, red rose in a bud vase sitting on a shelf in a gift shop window. As Mariè looked at the rose, she could not help but remember that fateful night after she had agreed to go along with Brenda’s new money making scheme.

Brenda, this had better not be another one of your schemes that gets us into trouble! Mary said to the woman sitting on the sofa. It took almost a week’s pay to rent this evening dress.

Honey, you are a knock – out! Your date won’t know what hit him! Brenda exclaimed.

Mary looked at herself in the mirror. She had to admit that she did look good. She was wearing a black tee-length evening dress made of silk. There were flecks of silver scattered throughout the fabric. The dress had thin spaghetti straps and was very form fitting, no one would know that the dress was rented as it looked like it had been tailored to fit her body.

Hurry up! Brenda said. The car will be here soon to pick us up!

Brenda, are you sure this is legal? Mary asked as she was putting the matching silk wrap around her shoulders.

Brenda turned to Mary with an exasperated look. Oh, for heaven’s sake, Mary, you act like you are selling your soul, when all you are selling is a few hours of your time.

Before Mary could say anything, there was a knock at the door. While Brenda answered the door, Mary took one last glance in the mirror. She took a deep breath to help still the butterflies in her stomach and chided herself for being so silly.

The woman at the escort agency had already given them their instructions. Mary was to meet Evan Jacquard, the CEO of an international business conglomerate, at his hotel. Then she would escort him to a dinner at the French Embassy.

I wish that we were going to the same place. Brenda said as they were riding in the car to the hotel. Mary assured her that she would be fine. Mary wasn’t sure if she was comforting Brenda or herself with that answer.

The car pulled up in front of the hotel and the Valet opened the car door so Mary could get out. She waved goodbye to Brenda and assured her one last time that she would be fine. She entered the lobby of the hotel and looked around to find the elevators. She saw them on the other side of the lobby and purposefully walked towards them. She stepped into the elevator and the Bellhop asked What floor, miss? after she stood there looking at him. Fourteen please. She said a little embarrassed. It seemed like she barely had time to blink before the doors opened and the Bellhop announced they had arrived at the fourteenth floor.

Mary stepped out of the elevator and walked down the corridor until she found suite 1402. She stood there for a couple of minutes looking at the door. She was extremely nervous, and wasn’t sure if she wanted to go through with this. Mary thought to herself that it would be so easy to just turn around and walk away. Then she thought about how desperately she needed the money, and it was a lot of money to just up and leave. She took a deep breath, collected her thoughts, and forced herself to knock on the door.

The man who answered the door showed her to the sitting area and offered her a seat. He informed her that Mr. Jacquard would be with her shortly. Mary sat on the sofa and looked around the room. He must be very wealthy, the room had plush carpeting, a full size wet bar was in the sitting area and there were French doors leading to the balcony. The suit also had two full size bedrooms with private baths in each.

The woman at the agency told her the man was French, forty-five years old and a widower. Mary would be twenty in a few months and she felt she should have no problems with an older man who only wanted an escort for the evening.

Mary stood when she heard the bedroom door open. It was more out of a reaction than manners. The longer she sat the more nervous she became. As he approached her, she extended her hand and said, Mr. Jacquard I am Mary Paul.

Evan Jacquard was not at all what she expected. Her first impression was that he was a very handsome man, and it was evident by his appearance that he kept himself healthy and active. He stood five feet, eleven and one half inches tall. He weighed one hundred and seventy-five pounds. He looked very handsome indeed. He certainly did not look anywhere near forty-five years of age. He had very thick brown hair, with slight graying around the temples; his dark brown eyes matched his hair and complexion perfectly. She could not understand why a man of his looks and background would need to hire an escort.

Mary took one look into those dark brown eyes and felt so warm and instantly at ease. Mary could feel her palms start to moisten. She hoped that they were not like that when they had shaken hands. If they were, it was not mentioned.

Joseph my valet was right when he said I would be pleased with you, Mr. Jacquard said, grinning. May I call you Mary? Mr. Jacquard asked as he walked to the bar on the other side of the room. You may call me Evan if you wish.

Of course, Mary will be fine. She answered nervously. I would be happy to call you Evan.

Mary suddenly became quite concerned about the evening. Maybe I am out of my environment, she thought. Then, as quickly as she thought this idea she shrugged it off, thinking to herself it is only dinner and party. Mary was experienced enough to trust her instincts and they were telling her there was a gentleness about him she could trust.

Would you care for a drink? Evan asked, We have a few minutes before our dinner reservations.

Yes, please a glass of white wine would be nice. Mary quietly said, hoping her voice did not show her nervousness. Evan handed her a glass of wine and sat down beside her on the sofa.

He was about to ask her how she had gotten into this job, when Joseph entered the room and told him the car had arrived. Well, it appears we don’t have as much time as I thought. He said as he sat down his drink. Shall we go? He extended his hand to Mary as he rose from the sofa.

Anytime you are ready Evan. Mary replied, sitting down her drink.

As they were leaving the suite, Evan stopped and pulled a long-stemmed red rose out of the vase sitting on the small table in the room. A beautiful woman should always be accompanied by a beautiful flower, and there is none lovelier than the rose. After all, they are the same; to be truly beautiful one must blossom from within. He said as he handed the rose to Mary.

Mariè Caroline softly said as she touched her shoulder. Why don’t we go get something to eat, you haven’t eaten since breakfast. You might feel better after eating. When they finished eating, they returned to the plane this allowed Mariè to catch up on some paperwork she needed to have finished. Rodger Stewart was waiting for them. Rodger was Mariè and Jon’s attorney from the New York office. He had come to take the contracts Mariè was to sign back to New York.

Mariè, how are you? He asked as she entered the plane. Do you have any more news on Jon yet?

No, nothing that we don’t already know, he is still in critical condition. I won’t find out anything more until we arrive at the hospital in Brasilia, that is where they have moved him to.

Mariè, I am so sorry for what has happened. I feel responsible; after all, I found out about the mine and suggested he check it out. You and Jon were very close friends and I, well, I am so sorry.

It’s all right, Rodger, I understand. However, he is not dead yet and I will not accept that he is until I see for myself. Do you understand? Mariè said in a very stern voice.

Yes Rodger said. Yes, I do understand, Mariè. His voice was very soft and low, and he suddenly wondered if they might have been closer than he thought.

The door to the cockpit came open and the pilot entered the room to tell them the plane would be ready to leave soon. After Mariè signed the contracts, Rodger said his good-byes and left the plane to catch a flight to New York. Once the plane was in the air, Mariè decided, she did not want to be bothered with any more business. She only wanted to be alone with her thoughts. Mariè knew she had many decisions to make, she also was very much aware that she might have to prepare a funeral, but now, she just wanted to clear her mind and collect her thoughts. Mariè knew she would do whatever she had to do to stay strong.

She not only had to be strong for herself, but for her son. Mariè has a son that only her lawyer and Caroline knew about. Even during her pregnancy, she spent most of her time at her home in Switzerland, keeping Jon at the Montreal office to avoid him. Her son, Evan Jon D’Aubignè, was four and half years old and was the love of her life. Evan was enrolled in the children’s school in Switzerland and had the best governess available. She spent as much time with him as possible. Jon would tease her at times that he was certain she was making all the trips to Switzerland because she had a secret love hidden away that she wanted no one to know about. Well, Jon she thought, You were more accurate than you could ever imagine.

She knew she would have to inform Jon’s children of the accident, of which she had not yet. She was waiting to see what happened with Jon. Crystal, his daughter was fourteen and his son Richard was ten. They had lived with Jon’s mother ever since his wife had died two years ago. Mariè suddenly remembered Richard had a birthday coming up. Oh lord, she thought What a terrible birthday present for a ten-year-old.

Mariè had almost forgotten in all the confusion that next week it would be six years since Evan had died. She had placed flowers on his grave every year and this year would be no exception. How ironic it would be if Jon were to die on the anniversary of Evan’s death.

Evan had given her so much, he had taught her how to be kind, gentle, and fully aware of herself and her surroundings. He had taken a twenty-year-old girl and helped her flower into a beautiful woman. Oh Evan, how I still miss you, Mariè thought to herself.

Mariè leaned her seat back, closed her eyes, her thoughts drifted back. It was her twentieth birthday and she was working at the drug store. Brenda had asked her if she had any plans for the evening. Mary remembered asking her if she did what she was supposed to use to pay for it. Brenda sat down at the snack bar and asked for a soda. Mary turned around to get the soda, and when she turned back, Evan was sitting beside Brenda. Evan! Mary gasped. What are you doing here?

Mary had seen Evan a couple of times since that night when they had a net. Well Evan said, I told Brenda I wanted to see you and not on a planned function from the agency, but to see YOU. I would also like to take you out to dinner. He sat there smiling at her. Please don’t be angry with her, she only did as I asked.

Mary looked into Evan’s eyes and knew she could not stay angry, but at the same time, she thought about killing Brenda. Mary had to admit she was glad to see him, but she was also embarrassed about him seeing her like this. Now he would know why she worked for the agency. Mary was even more embarrassed when she took him to her apartment and he saw how where she lived. Evan was very displeased with the apartment she lived in and proceeded to tell her so.

Well Evan, I am sorry you feel that way, but not everyone can live like you Mary said to him feeling a little embarrassed and offended Especially those of us that work for a living.

Well young lady, since those of us who don’t work for a living are hungry, why don’t we discuss this over dinner? Evan asked with a grin.

I’m sorry. Mary answered, feeling more than a little embarrassed. I didn’t think about what I was saying, I know you work for a living, but it is different.

No Mary it is not different. Evan stated, It is just that I have achieved more through the years and I have worked very hard to get there. But you will learn that in time.

What a strange comment’ Mary thought to herself, wondering what he might be up to, one thing she had learned about him was that he was very intelligent and very much liked doing things his own way.

After they finished dinner, they went back to his hotel suite. Mary, Evan said in a low soft voice. I have something to discuss with you. You are twenty today and you are a very lovely young woman. I have come to care for you very much.

Mary just looked at him and asked, Evan what are you trying to say?

Well He replied softly, I guess I am trying to propose. I have only ever proposed once before in my life. Mary was so surprised; she didn’t know what to say. All she could do was sit there. Well! Please say something, anything. Evan said, smiling at her.

Evan I never expected this, Mary said nervously I care for you very much, but I can’t marry you. I would never fit into your world. I didn’t have the upbringing nor have I had all the amenities you had growing up. It would never work.

Mary. Evan asked. Do you care for me at all?

Mary answered softly, Yes, I do Evan very much so, but this… Before she could say another word, he took her into his arms and kissed her with such passion that she could not give a reason to her fears. Don’t tell me no He whispered Please Mary don’t say no. Stay with me tonight and leave with me this time."

Oh Evan, Mary replied softly, she felt intensely alive and yet breathless at the same time. Mary knew how much she wanted him at that moment and knew the feelings she had for him were very real and very strong, she also knew they would not go away and to be honest she didn’t think she wanted them to. Yes, oh yes Evan I will. Mary said breathlessly.

By the time, she had finished her answer, Evan had swept her up in his arms and carried her off to the bedroom. He helped her to undress and after undressing himself, he lay in the bed beside her and assured her not to worry. Evan knew this was new to her and he guided her every step of the way.

After they had made love, they lay in each other’s arms. Evan kissed the top of her head, pulled her close, and smiled. Mary snuggled close to him, thinking to herself how different it was from what she was expecting, she remembered Brenda laughing at her and calling her the last virgin in the world. Mary also thought to herself that she had never had this kind of feeling for anyone before. At the same time, she was afraid of the feelings she was having; they frightened her terribly. Because of the home life she had, growing up, marrying was not necessarily a good change in a person’s life. Somehow, she had to convince Evan of this, but she knew she did not want to lose him. Mary lay there thinking about the situation a while longer before she drifted off to sleep.

When Mary awoke the next morning, she was alone in bed. Evan had already showered, dressed and came into the bedroom as she was sitting up in bed. Evan sat down on the edge of the bed, leaned over and gave her a kiss on the forehead. He asked softly, How is my darling this morning?

Mary just smiled at him put her hand on his face and answered. Oh, Evan I do love you. She glanced up at the clock and realized she was an hour late for work. Oh, my god! She said, jumping out of bed. Look at the time. I will be fired for sure.

Do you really think it matters if you go in or not? Do you really think you will continue to work there? Or have you forgotten last night so quickly? Evan asked, sitting on the edge of the bed laughing.

I didn’t forget about last night at all. It was just a reaction. I have been working in one form or another for what seems like all my life. I will call them right away and tell them I am no longer working for them. She said smiling and feeling a little embarrassed One thing I will need to do is get some clothing. I have nothing here. She said smelling fresh coffee, then asked Am I too late for breakfast?

Smiling at her, he said No my love, you have not missed breakfast. I only order coffee because I was waiting for you to get up. In addition, I have called Brenda and asked her to bring some of your things for you. There is an extra robe in the closet. Leave your clothes from last night and Joseph will see to them. After Brenda gets here, there will be plenty of time to shower and dress. I was thinking we could send for your things later. I really hope you don’t mind me doing this for you.

Evan that was very thoughtful. I don’t mind at all. Thank you. She replied, smiling at him. Since Brenda is bringing my things I am sure I will have time to call the drugstore and take a shower before she gets here. We both know how she is. At this they both just laughed. By the time, Mary finished with her shower; she heard voices in the front sitting room. To her surprise, it was Brenda with her things. Brenda, Mary said Is that really you? Girl you know, sometimes you really surprise me. They all just laughed. Mary thanked Brenda and took her things into the bedroom to get dressed while Evan ordered breakfast. Brenda stayed for about a half hour to visit then told them she would see them later because she had many errands to do.

Evan ordered them a light breakfast of fruit and croissants. When they finished breakfast, Mary finally got her chance to talk to Evan. Evan had sent Joseph on some errands and then gave him the rest of the day off. Mary was sitting on the sofa looking very serious and far away. I really hope those thoughts are of me and not someone else? Evan said with a smile.

I’m sorry; I guess my mind was just elsewhere. Mary replied with a serious look on her face. Evan there are a few things we need to discuss before our relationship goes any further.

Well, I guess it must be important for you to look so serious when you are so lovely. Evan said grinning at her.

She just smiled and said Please Evan, I’m serious.

Alright my darling, I’m sorry. Now tell me what is so important? He asked. Mary explained to him about her childhood, her family and other things about her life growing up. She suggested a long engagement. Evan, please understand that I love you, but your life is so different from mine. I need time to learn and adjust. We could live together for a year and…

I love you and I understand your fear. But you must let me help you overcome this fear. You will have one year, which should be plenty of time for you to adjust and learn all the amenities you think you are lacking. It will also be plenty of time for you to learn my business. Then when we marry, you will be my business partner as well as my wife; also, if you really love me then we will live together in one place, at my home in France, not you here in New York and I in Europe. I really mean together. Do you agree to this? Evan replied flatly.

Oh Evan, yes I do agree and I do love you very much. You know that, don’t you? Mary asked him smiling. Then he was pulling her into his arms, kissing her as he was slowly unbuttoning her blouse. He took her into the bedroom and for the next hour proved how much he loved her.

The next thing she knew Evan was waking her. I really hate disturbing you, my love. He whispered But there are a lot of things to be taken care of before we leave this country.

If you insist, then I must get up, but I must tell you I do so reluctantly. She said smugly, with a smile. Mary lay there for a few minutes remembering how he had made love to her. He had made her feel like she was the only woman in the world. Evan was so gentle and loving. He had her undressed and lying in his arms before she could think to stop him. Evan made love to every inch of her; he made her feel so alive, almost like every breath she was taking was her first.

Mary had no idea exactly how many changes there were going to be in her life. She was quite surprised at all there was to come. Evan did not realize that she had never had a passport before and getting one quickly took some string pulling. However, it still took some time and he had to leave immediately because of business. Which meant leaving without her for a while, nonetheless Evan knew she would be well taken care of while he was gone. Evan arranged with his attorneys in New York to have