“There are three sisters in between Devek and him. He’s around sixty.”

“To him, you’re still a young woman. The law is a good excuse to get you in his bed.”

“I’d never have sex with that goat!”

“You would if he threatened to take away your kids. That’s why Juleen had to be part of his bargain.”

I was stunned silent.

Chris said, “It didn’t matter what he offered me. I’d never let you go for all the money in the world. Think about that the next time you get mad at me.” He stretched his long frame. “I’m getting some coffee. Do you want anything?”

I still couldn’t speak

He patted my shoulder. “You need to relax. Take a Jacuzzi or something.”

I didn’t answer.

“Terry?”

I said, “I’m not taking a Jacuzzi with all those yucky men that you call clients. As a matter of fact, if I never see another male in my life, it’ll still be too soon.”

“Yeah, we’re dogs.” Chris smiled. “I’ve got a private hot tub on my patio. Go there.”

I got up and pulled the curtains back. I thought the fabric hid a window. In fact, it was a sliding glass door to a patio where, indeed, there was a hot tub. I had been in this office about a half dozen times and I had never bothered to look around. I said, “I’ve been dying for a bath. You’re just telling me this now?”

“I wasn’t hiding it from you,” he said. “You never asked.”

“Who’s been in there?”

“You mean like people? In the last six years, no one except me.” He held up his left hand and wiggled his fingers. “Well, sometimes I come with Mary and her four sisters, but I think you can handle that.” When I didn’t answer, he said, “TMI?”

“Y’think?” I shook my head. “I’m sorry, Christopher. I’m still in shock. I can’t believe what you just told me about Pramod.”

“I’m a great liar, but I don’t have the imagination to make that up.” When I remained silent, he tapped the papers. “This is your future, Teresa. Our future. Together. Now forget about what I told you. Relax and take a Jacuzzi.”

Finally, I said, “I don’t have a swimsuit.”

“Why would you need a swimsuit? No one will see you except me.” He looked at his watch. “If you go in now, I can join you for about fifteen minutes.” He came over and pulled me to my feet. “C’mon. Let’s have a nice hot soak together, okay?”