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was supposed to have been staying . . .
    I hurriedly flip the picture back over and study his oldest son, Aaron. I freeze on the spot, trying like hell to put these puzzle pieces in some logical order. I blink a couple of times, not sure why, but my eyes follow the lines of his very handsome face; the strong jawline that seems familiar, as do the full, sensual lips.
    It's when my eyes lower to his chin that I realize there is no mistaking that chin dimple. My lips tingle at my own body's internal memory of having kissed him . . . there; of my tongue settling . . . there; of my finger tracing the stubble . . . there.
    Dark shadowy images of my secret lover dance through my mind.
    Adam---Aaron?
    Fuck.
    But why?
    He doesn't look any older than twenty-one or twenty-two. I try like mad to remember Hayden's mentioning him before, but there is little I recollect.
    Something about him attending college somewhere in the Mid-West; not coming home often, and having a falling out of some sort with him over his career path. I wish I could recall more, but I can't. Hayden doesn't speak all that much of his children, and in particular, his oldest one.
    I study the picture again and Hayden's words come back to me.
    " You love what my cock gave you."
    His son?
    "Maybe I need to send your ass to San Pedro more often."
    He said 'San Pedro'--not Belize or Belize City.
    Oh my God.
    Had he made a quick detour to Belize City? Surely Janett would've contacted me by cell if something unexpected had happened while she was at the resort there.
    Right?
    My mind rewinds to the morning I met Janett outside of the airport at the designated spot to retrieve my extra suitcase. We hadn't spoken to one another as planned; because you never know who might've been watching. She looked well-rested, tanned and very happy by the looks of the smile on her face.
    I need to call her at the earliest opportunity. I feel frantic now with confusion and apprehension.
    "Jade," he calls out from the bathroom. "Are you coming?"
    I put the picture back in its place, and hurriedly stuff the wallet back into the pocket of his trousers, letting them drop back onto the floor where he stepped out of them earlier.
    I take a really deep breath, willing myself to relax so that he doesn't notice that I'm coming apart. I can't afford to show that to him.
    "I'm coming, Hayden," I call out. "Be right there."
    And as I make my way to the bathroom, my mind is still a flurry of contradictions and excuses. I feel shaky, and I know I can't face him until I calm down and get rid of the guilt that I know I'm wearing like a mask.
    I take another deep breath, and force myself to consider the worst case scenario, that being that he somehow knows what I've done.
    Wouldn't he have mentioned it to me by now? Done something to show me that I hadn't gotten away with anything?
    The reality of Hayden sinks in and I chide myself for not realizing it sooner.
    Regardless of what he may or may not know, I realize there's no way that Hayden will ever divulge the truth to me. Nor will he ever call me out on anything that might make him look as if he hadn't been in control of the situation.
    And why should he?
    After all, Hayden Barringer the second is always in control, everyone knows that . . .
    No one ever dupes this extraordinary man.
    The reality of the situation seeps into my brain and has an immediate calming effect, just as a rush of dopamine infiltrates my senses.
    All is well.
    I reach the bathroom door suddenly feeling exhilarated that I have a man such as Hayden taking care of me - seeing to all of my needs, not only financially, but emotionally as well. Letting me know where I stand with him.
    "You keep me in shape I won't ever let you go."
    I feel the smile form on my lips as I recall his words of only minutes ago.
    I am so lucky to have him.
     
     
                 

Epilogue
 
    Two Months Later
    I scoot my butt up to the edge of the examining table as Dr. Maxwell has requested at least