The whole world went silent around her.
“That can’t be possible. It’s not true.”
Maddie rubbed her feet in comfort. “Oh, darling, it’s true. I’m his wife. Gio is a very powerful man, too. Although, we haven’t had s*x or anything—”
She stopped her friend with a raised hand. “Maddie, please!” Her voice cracked. Her breath came in sharp, uneven bursts. She shook her head as if trying to physically fling the truth away. “It can’t be true. He can’t have us both at the same time. I can’t—won’t—let it.”
Maddie’s eyes softened with sadness. “I don’t think there’s anything you can do anymore. You signed a contract.”
In anger, Vickie jerked her foot out of Maddie’s hold, heart pounding so violently it hurt. “Yes, I can! And how are you so calm about this?!” Her voice rose, trembling with betray
