Devil and the Deep Sea (25 page)

when I realised you were really there, I had to come to terms with

the fact that I was in no fit state to make love to you.'

'And all those other nights, when you didn't come to bed?'

'I drove around—sometimes to the beach, or slept on the couch in

my study. I always took care the servants never saw me. Or

Solange.'

Samma traced a pattern on his chest with one finger. 'About

Solange—it's not enough, Roche, to take responsibility for her. She

needs more than that from you.' She looked at him soberly.

'Whatever her mother was, she needs warmth and affection, openly

expressed.'

'That is something you will have to teach me,
mon ange.
I have

become used to—hiding my feelings, or pretending they do not

exist.'

'Really?' Samma stretched lithely against him, delighting in the

responsive stir of his flesh. 'I would never have guessed.'

'Beware,
madame.'
He gave her a ferocious frown. 'You provoke

me at your peril!'

Samma pouted in mock-alarm. 'What are you threatening me with,

monsieur?
The Delacroix curse?'

Roche laughed out loud. 'My own personal version,' he whispered,

and began to kiss her again.