Grand notes from The Marriage of Figaro floated throughout the house. Ethan's love for opera sickened Zara. She stuffed her head under the pillow. He'd been listening to it all morning. Worst of all he'd been singing it. She heard the sounds of pots and pans. Along with the aroma of breakfast as the boisterous Figaro rose from his lungs. He'd be calling her soon to eat. This was a great time to sneak in a text to Ava. She picked up on the first ding.

Ava: How did you survive last night

Zara: Trevor told you already

Ava: Of course - I choked. Where is he now?

Zara: Dancing around the kitchen singing Figaro

Laughing emoji's

Zara: He stuck his gritty tongue in my mouth – wanted to vomit

Zara: I'm suffocating right now – tomorrow can't come soon enough

Ava: I'm going to get you out of there

Zara: What

Ava: I'll get permission from Roman but when I call, have the speakerphone on

Zara: I don't follow

Ava: Just have the speakerphone on and let Ethan hear it

Ava: Pack what you will be wearing to the gathering and everything else

Zara: Ok

Ava: Trevor can tell me when your breakfast is over then be ready

Zara: Ok

***

Zara rushed about the room stuffing clothes in the biggest purse that she had. She didn't want to pack the suitcase because it would look like she planned the escape. The red gown and shoes were hanging on the back of the closet. She'd just make an excuse to say why she wouldn't be back until before the gathering.

She zoomed through the room making sure to have all the security devices – the audio/visual earrings and bracelets. A vile of mace got stuffed in her bra. Grabbing the holster, she strapped the gun around her waist and covered up with an oversized fleece sweater. Then she stuffed herself in a pair of jeans and pulled on ankle boots. She checked the room one last time to make sure she didn't leave behind anything that could give the mission away.

"Good – I'm all set."

After fluffing her hair in the mirror and slapping on a swipe of lip-gloss she exited the room. She could see him from the distance – dancing about while he cooked. His striking good looks could not go unnoticed. His black jeans fit perfect, the caramel cashmere sweater fit snug against broad shoulders. His salt and pepper hair was always manicured. How can anything that handsome be so evil? He didn't hear her slip into the kitchen because the music was so loud. She sat on a barstool.

It startled him when he turned and faced her. A heart-stopping smile spread across his face. If he weren't so evil it would magnetize her. "Sleep well, darling?"

How does he do it? How does he stay in character? It's like he's living in two worlds. One of them bent on my destruction or death. I'm his movie. The thought sent a shudder down Zara's spine. He was a different type of psychopath – a new kind of crazy for the textbooks. He came over bent down and gave a quick peck to her lips and then to her cheek.

"So glad to see you. Thought you'd like my Bavarian pancakes and Eggs Benedict." He slid her plate across the table along with a glass of orange juice.

If he weren't so awful this would seem like a sweet, normal morning between lovers. His mind-bending deceptive skill had her reeling. He walked across the room and came back with purple and yellow wildflowers spilling over a crystal vase. "I picked these for you this morning, returning from my run."

"That was thoughtful, thank you."

They ate their breakfast while he rattled on about how excited he was for the gathering. He provided all types of details that she knew Roman and the team would be glad to know. He laid out the timeline for the program. That surely would be useful information. He was as excited as a child on Christmas morning. It was so weird listening to it all, knowing that every word that he spoke dripped with her pending poison. She wouldn't get victimized after this event, like Jennifer. Zara wasn't alone. What would take place tomorrow was for Jennifer and every other woman that his ring had abused.

"They're all waiting for you, darling."

We're all waiting for you, too - pervert. "It will be so nice to meet all your family and close friends."

"I've been waiting for this for so long." I've waited so long to expand my company beyond my wildest dreams. He clapped his hands like a child, beaming like a giggling baby. I'll be harvesting women for the next twenty years. Then he leaned down and kissed her hand. "You've changed my life, Zara. Perhaps – after last night... you might consider the natural means of our child instead of In Vitro?"

He's just sick. Zara's skin nearly crawled from her bones. No hiding the red tomatoes that flushed across her cheeks. She sat while her knees bounced as adrenaline soared. With one sweep of her leg, she crossed the other to stop the movement. He leaned in and kissed her, this time with a little more heat – on cue her cell phone rang. They'd been watching.

She scrambled off the chair. "I'll be right back." Zara dashed down the hall, grabbing her cell phone.

"You got everything?"

"Yeah."

"Put the speakerphone on. Tell him that the baby is sick and you've got to go."

"All right."

Zara grabbed everything and bounded down the hall with the cell phone on. "Ethan! It's the baby. Ava..." she started to choke up like she was crying. All the while Ava wailed as if her dog had died. She sobbed uncontrollably. "She needs me. We'll probably be in the emergency room," she lied. " I'll be back tomorrow."

" All right - is the baby going to be okay?"

"It's bad. Swallowed something – turning blue. I've got to go."

Zara was out the door in a flash, bolted down the drive, and jumped in the car. She sped out the driveway like her body was on fire. When she got to the stop sign at the end of the road, she and Ava burst out laughing. She made a right turn to the main road. Texts dinged from Roman, Trevor, and members of the team with hilarious and laughing emojis.

Zara pulled over onto the highway. Her heart leaped when Roman called, his voice was a magic ointment to her soul. That sexy, baritone voice filtered through the speakers. "My precious, treasure – you're doing so good. I love you. God, I miss you."

At that moment, Zara lost it. She broke down and cried – happy tears, sad tears, glad tears, mad tears. It was a mix of emotions exploding like fireworks on the Fourth. Her eyes blurred so she could barely see the road.

"Don't cry – baby, you're doing fine."

"I want to see you, touch you – kiss you."

"This will all be over tomorrow. Calm down – all is well."

Zara's sobs subsided. She grabbed a tissue from the glove compartment and wiped her eyes and nose. "Tomorrow," she whispered.

"Yes. We'll be going home and then you can kiss me all that you want." His nerves were raw over what would happen tomorrow. This was good versus evil - darkness versus light. He'd certainly prayed enough to spare lives. But with every mission death was a reality. He took a deep breath knowing that he had to be strong for her. With skilled words, he'd give her hope. "Ava said she's inviting us to dinner after it's over."

"Oh – good. Who wouldn't eat dinner with Ava? She's the master of a southern kitchen."

Perfect – she bought it. Perfect. "Tell her I want that 'roll your eyes to the back of your head' peach cobbler."

She chuckled. "Okay."

"I've got to run, treasure. We need to do some last-minute checks at the ballroom. Everyone needs to be complete in their understanding of the layout and building exits. I love you."

"I love you too."

***

Playing with Glory Rose was a welcome relief and much-needed distraction. Since the time she'd left from visiting the penthouse she was sitting up taller and had gained a few plump pounds. The baby giggled as Zara bounced her on her knee and played peek-a-boo. Zara let the fresh fragrance of baby scent fill her lungs, making the desire for her own child even stronger. She blew bubbles on Glory's cheek and fell out laughing hearing the baby squeal with joy.

"You're going to be a good mama," Ava said, pinching Zara's cheek.

"I hope so."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I've haven't been able to talk about this, and just recently shared it with Roman. I'm having difficulties and may not be able to have kids."

The grief on her face struck Ava hard. She lifted the baby and put her in the playpen. Pulling Zara into a bear hug, she sighed against her hair. "I'm sorry. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I haven't been able to talk about it. I feel awful because Calista didn't have children. I don't want Roe to be without a seed."

"Sweetheart that will be the last of his concerns. He's been after you forever. May have problems doesn't mean barren – right?"

"That's what he says." Zara laughed, thinking about what Roman had said. "According to him 'might' has possibilities."

"There you go. Now, chin up." She leaned over and kissed Zara on the cheek. "Plus, it's fun making babies. Lord, that man of mine. Last night was so hot I might be pregnant again."

Zara shook her head and smiled. "Girl, you're crazy."