Chapter 1

At nighttime, Ian, as usual, tossed me a bottle of pills.

Right after we made love, he said without any expression, "Take it."

My fingers trembled imperceptibly.

For five years, after sex, he made me take birth control.

Seeing me duck my head in silence, he scoffed, "Victoria, don't fantasize about the impossible."

I whispered back, "Don't worry, Mr. Taylor."

He furrowed his brow and gave me a deep look.

Then he got out of bed and left the room.

In the bathroom, I closed my eyes, tilting my head back.

I let the hot water beat against my face.

Standing under the showerhead, I washed my body, marked all over.

Ian and I were childhood friends.

Our families were close. His grandfather and mine had been sworn brothers in their youth.