Seduction Wears Sapphires

by Renee Bernard

  “Father, please come with us. Don’t you wish to—”

  “I wish to be obeyed and left alone!” He retreated past her to the tray and poured himself a glass of the deep ruby, ending any debate.

  Haley collected her novel and began to leave without another word. But her father spoke again and delayed her escape, his tone far more contrite and gentle. “I’m . . . feeling a bit under the weather. You’ll make my apologies, won’t you, then?”

  She forced herself to smile. “Of course.”

  “Wear the red, Haley. You look like your mother when you wear that dress.” His eyes became glasslike with unshed tears, and Haley averted her gaze.

  “Yes, Father.” She hurried from the room without slowing her steps or looking back. There are worse fates than a courteous husband. Would I be my mother and love so blindly that I leave devastation in my wake? She shook her head as she climbed the stairs to the second floor. Wishing for the moon doesn’t bring it any closer, but God help me, why do I keep looking at it?