HER FATHER PUSHED HER INTO THE FOUNTAIN AT HER SISTER’S WEDDING—THEN HER SECRET HUSBAND WALKED THROUGH THE DOOR

“I warned you. That’s not the same thing.”

Ernest pointed at her. “Don’t correct me.”

Alexander moved half a step forward.

Mariana touched his arm immediately. “Don’t.”

He stopped.

That single moment—instant obedience without hesitation—said more than anything spoken.

They weren’t a rescue.

They were a unit.

The hotel manager arrived with towels. Alexander continue reading …