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nostrils. She might have bumped into a maid and said something about the secret passageway but later she couldn’t quite remember.
    A draft of cold air led her to the nearest door. She wobbled down the driveway to circle the house and find Will. After stumbling around, someone gripped her arm and led her down the drive. The door opened and she was pushed into the backseat. She curled into a ball and cried uncontrollably. Her body quivered.
    ***
    Marisa woke in the same position. The limo sped down streets. At first, she didn’t know where she was and then the memories of the night rushed back. She shot straight up but pain racked her shoulder. She slumped back down, humiliated at the slight scent of half-dried urine.
    Will didn’t say anything. Marisa closed her eyes, wishing to be home. With Stephen. And Savvy.
    “Funny thing about tonight,” Will said. “Mr. Rottingham spoke of a Ms. DeWilflower, a beautiful seductress in an emerald dress who saved not only his life but the life of his son. He’s sent out a search for her to properly reward her.”  
    Marisa kept quiet. Edward Rottingham would never find his enchantress. But she’d take the compliment.  
    “I don’t know how you pulled that off, or how you knew about the boy. Obviously you knew more about this than you let on.”
    Marisa bristled. “And obviously you lied about just poking around.”
    “What?” Will asked with murder in his voice.
    “That’s right. You hired thugs.”  
    He sighed. “Those thugs as you call them had nothing to do with me.”
    Marisa fell quiet, not quite able to muster the strength needed to continue the fight.  
    Will filled the silence. “If you must know, those thugs are trained assassins. Obviously, Edward has more than one enemy.” He hesitated as if not wanting to say what came next. “My family is willing to offer you a deal. Work for me, completing small missions while we decide if you’re truly a threat or not, and your family will be safe.”
    Marisa then closed her mind. She let the words roll off her. She’d think about that later.
    ***
    Marisa’s so-called trip to visit an old high school friend took much longer than expected. Her friend was in grave distress, bordering on suicide, so Marisa had to stay a full three weeks. She sent emails daily, telling Stephen and Savvy how much she loved them and couldn’t wait to return home. They replied with questions but understood.
    She suffered through Will’s brief appearances. She tried to convince him that her successful rescue was no more than maternal instinct. That she really had no clue about her family heritage of espionage. The blackness of his soul reflected in his eyes told her he didn’t believe a word.
    The day finally came and she arrived home. She hugged her husband and daughter, fighting back the emotion strangling her throat.
    That first night, she slipped into the bedroom, an old cd in her hands.
    “Good to have you home,” Stephen said already in bed.  
    Marisa nodded, her heart in her throat at what she was about to do. Stephen would think her crazy.
    “What took you so long to get up to bed?” He pouted. “Didn’t you miss me?”
    Her throat welled again. “More than you’ll ever know.” She coughed while sliding the disc into their old player. “I’ve been with Savvy. It’s been way too long since I’ve just sat and talked with her.”
    Stephen’s face softened. “Good for you.”  
    Marisa pushed Play. The first strains of music came out. Taking a deep breath, she turned and let her bathrobe fall to the floor, revealing the sexy lingerie she’d purchased. “Dance with me?”  
    Stephen tilted his head, questioning.
    Oh my God, she knew this was a bad idea. She whipped around and fumbled with the keys to stop the music. It had been years since they’d danced. He must think she was nuts.
    Arms clasped around her. His lips touched her ears. “Of course, I’ll dance with you.” Then he added, “If I remember how