t the Carlyle, where Senator H

his usually perfe

d? Why did you run off like t

e my hands, but

one, Chris. I hea

ing mask slipped, and I saw a flicker of som

ofa, running a han

se, let me

your three-year mission was a romantic getaway w

she was a local informant in a border town in Mexico. Things got... com

heir son jus

' a secret for three years

swear. I just needed the right time. I didn't want to lose yo

always held such power over me, were fil

avered. The man I'd loved for

d to me as "the New York heiress" on that rec

I said, my voice

work through this. I'll end things with Maria completely. She mea

felt cheap

d, there was a soft k

s pretty, in a fragile way, with long dark hair. She clutched a small b

art s

ther you. Leo, he... he has a fever. The doctor in that small town

Sanchez. And

ng between me and Maria. Pa

hissed, then quickly composed himself

. Her son, Leo. I told you about her, a loc

am so sorry. I know this is a terrible time. Chris has been so

actress. I had

nd snuggled closer to his mother, whimpering. He

he whi

nched as

s he warm?" He placed a hand on Leo's forehea

e of apology and desperation. "Ava, I...

Maria, their son. A pe

The "New York heiress"

hrobbing ache now, set

e devoid of emotion. "You sh

lt like ash