Chapter 10
- "I love you, Alia," I told her. I gently combed her hair behind her ear and caressed her cheek. My passion momentarily sated, the events of the evening ran through my mind. I questioned the wisdom of talking, of taking the chance of ruining the night. The look in Alia's eyes told me there would be little chance of that.
- "Why did my bride bring you to me?" I asked softly. Alia smiled and stroked my hair.
- "That is for her to say," Alia replied, "know that as strange as it is, I have a chance to keep you. I intend to take it." I had a list of problems in my head, things that spoke ill of what just happened. I kept them to myself. I will not gainsay any of it tonight. I had my love in my bed.