Veronica could feel Robert standing beside her, absorbing every detail of their surroundings with professional judgment. They were in a rough area, surrounded by rough people. Did he understand where she'd brought him? His tension felt like a physical presence, absorbing all the air around her and sapping her strength. She so badly wanted him to keep adoring her and thinking well of her, but she needed him to know the worst.

Years of counselling had taught her the truth about herself. ...