Chapter 30: Her Lovers' Touch, Part 12, You're Sure?

JAMES

The wee small hours of the morning....

.... and I lie awake, staring into the darkness.

Charlotte lies nestled against me, but from her breathing, I don't think she is asleep either. Beyond her, Michael's breathing is slow and steady.

The sleep of the virtuous?

Charlotte stirs in my arms. My face close to hers I murmur, "Are you alright?"

Her voice is muffled against my chest, but I can hear the tears in her words. "I don't want you to be angry."

"I'm not angry with you."

"I don't want you to be angry with Michael either. He really did do nothing wrong."

"Are you sure of that?"