ing her from the
world。
Lost in silent self…reproach Chloe was unaware that he had moved away
and returned to the sofa。 He was waiting； listening； when she finally
raised her head。
〃Why are you doing this to me？〃 she pleaded softly。 〃Why can't you just
leave me alone？〃
He frowned。 〃Funny； I've asked myself the same question a dozen times in
the last two weeks。〃 He studied his knuckles； seeming to struggle。 〃It's
like for the first time in years； I care。〃
〃What do you mean？〃 she asked falteringly。
〃You asked me what I've done with myself during the past years。〃 He gave
a snort of disgust。 〃I haven't been quite as noble as you。 There have
been women over the years。〃
She had assumed that； and felt no resentment。 There was a certain solace
in the knowledge that when all was said and done； he was still attracted
to her。 After all； he was magnificent。 More than one of those women must
have tried to tie him down。
〃Didn't you find anyone special？〃 she asked quietly。
Ross ore than others。 But； no； there
was no one special。 No one who meant enough to tempt me to change my
lifestyle。 I'm on the road all the time。 I do own an old brownstone in
Manhattan； but I doubt if I spend a total of three months a year there。
Hotel rooms； friends' apartments； rented suites…that's been home for the
past few years。〃
〃It served your purpose。〃
〃Yes。〃 The amber eyes that held hers pierced her heart。 They said much
more； all of it silent； all of it mind bending。 In the insanity of a
fleeting instant； she wanted 。。。 she wanted 。。。 What did she want？
Ross sighed。 〃I am a successful businessman。〃 It was