Christian took another deep breath and faced her. “You’re overreacting just as you did in Frascati. I have explained this to you before and I’m repeating it now. There will be such women everywhere, in every hotel I own. It doesn’t mean I encourage them or have an affair with them. You might have had admirers too at your college. Did you sleep with them all? It’s the same thing, Skylar!” “No, it isn’t the same thing. You allowed her to insult me. Then you disappeared with her for twenty minutes! What do I conclude from your behavior, Christian?” Her face flushed with annoyance at his lack of explanation. “I didn’t invite her to sit beside me. If she wanted to create a scene, how was I responsible? Did you want me to pick up a fight with her in front of my board of directors? I have my

