"Besides," Stefan continued with a slight smile, "it gives us an opportunity to learn if they have heard the news of their brethren in Marakand and Sa...daford. We may have need of new friends and this time, the enemy of our enemy may, indeed, be our friend. Let us see what new bonds we can forge, dear wife."How does one measure success?Stefan left the Delucian house with Rayna with another insight into the power of information and knowledge. Money was only one lever amongst the powers of the. Suddenly he pulled out and stood up. When I tried to stand he pushed me back down. Stay, was all he said as he walked toward the kitchen. I watched him walking, fully clothed, to my refrigerator and open the door to the freezer. He reached in and pulled out an ice cube. I was intrigued and excited to find out what he planned to do with it. I was still on my knees on the steps when he came back. Turn around and spread your legs, he said. I did as I was told and he reached down with the ice cube. They moved to pull apart but drew into each other, once again. Isabelle shivered as his teeth nipped gently at her lip, his tongue moved deeper in her mouth. When they separated, both were shaking and aching for more. They fell into each other’s lives effortlessly. Two wounded souls finally able to rest. Those initial “I love you’s”, spoken hesitantly, seemed to seal their path together. Perhaps they were naïve, or perhaps they just chose not to see how hurt they really were by others before,. I want the other one.”“Next door ... this is OUR boat ... that one is HER boat.”It is the boat next door ... at the tip of the next pier.“Shit,” said Miss Agent. That’s a long walk.”“I’m up,” I shouted. “I’m just thermosing the coffee. I’ll meet you on the shore.”Zoe walked down the pier with the agent. The agent looked a question.“You get me too. And Junior.”“Three of you?”“And I’m the only one married.”Junior had stayed with me. The four of us met ... I shared cups and coffee.“Ooo. Good.