Chapter 74 Atonement

• Julian was right. The next day was the worst twenty-four hours of Sera's life. Somewhere in the day's painful darkness, she remembered Julian saying, "A champagne hangover is rough, but a rum and champagne...you are going to feel like dying."
• She wished her life would end, but with each second of the ticking clock, she remained alive. Julian brought her stomach medication and headache remedies. In the afternoon, he stripped her, bathed her with cool cloths, then rubbed sweet-smelling oils over her body. His fingers worked out tension and fear. She allowed herself to melt into the sensations of his hands. The sleep and dreams were peaceful.
• But now today was another day. Today she had to atone.