Chapter 10
 

Eve shifted position, the cords binding her wrists were beginning to ache again. She still was incredulous that Julian had the audacity to kidnap her--did he really want her that badly? Why would he risk so much?

And yet....even though she was apprehensive about what Julian might do to her, it came nowhere near the stark terror she felt when she thought about the reason she came to Harmony.

T.C. Russell. Her ex-husband.
 

Her thoughts were interrupted when Julian reappeared, having brought in a larger bottle of water for Eve. He smiled sheepishly at her, noticing that she looked extremely uncomfortable.

"Is there anything you need, my dear? I am at your disposal," he said, coming to sit down on the bed next to her. Eve tried to wriggle away from him, but he leaned over her waist, taking care to keep away from her knees. "Oh no, my love, you aren't going to attack me as you did before. I'd have to return the favor, but not as violent as you have." He traced her lips with his thumb, delighting in Eve's gasp as he did so. "Perhaps I should show you just how much I am here for you," he whispered, nuzzling her neck. Eve tried to shake him off, but Julian was having none of it.

"Julian, please," she pleaded. "Don't do this....I can't defend myself, and you know it," she breathed, for he was sparking a response from her that she had tried to forget. She moaned as he nibbled at her earlobe, then swirled his tongue around her ear.
 

"As I said earlier, dear Eve--you would fight me, but you do love and want me as badly as I you." Julian raised his head to meet her gaze. "I see a battle going on in your eyes--tell me what you want, what you need," he implored. Her breathing was becoming ragged, so he pushed his advantage by pressing his lips against hers. Eve didn't resist him, so he deepened the kiss, his tongue seeking entrance.

She could not stand it any longer. Eve opened her mouth, her own tongue dueling with his in an age old dance. He tasted every part of her lips, and then he raised her left palm and kissed it, then her right. A sigh escaped her as Julian held her hand up to his lips. "This isn't fair, Julian," she half heartedly complained. "I'm a helpless captive."
 

"Captive, yes--helpless, never," he told her, his eyes darkened with passion. "I rather like you like this Eve.....think of just how many ways I could show you how much I love you....you have no other choice but to listen and be persuaded." He held his hand to her cheek. "Just admit that you love me."
 

"I can't admit what I don't feel," she lied, gritting her teeth as he ran his fingers through her soft hair. "The love I had for you died long ago."
 

"You are a lot of things Eve, and all of them wonderful--but one thing you aren't is a liar.
Tell me the truth," he insisted. When Eve turned her head, refusing to answer, his hazel eyes lit for battle, albeit a pleasurable one. "I gave you ample chances, my dear....now we do it my way."
 

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Meanwhile, T.C. Russell was about to get into his car, but he realized he had forgotten his cell phone. He walked back into the house, the house he had shared with Eve. As he looked for his phone, he remembered when he had found out that Whitney was not his daughter. Whitney had been in a car accident, and had needed blood. That was when he had been told that he could not donate blood for her, because his was incompatible--he was not her biological father!
 

(Flashback)

 
..."You lying slut, you passed off another man's child as mine! How could you do that to me?" he had barked at her, his nostrils flaring in his fury.

"I didn't know, T.C.--how could I have known?" Eve cried, backing away from him. He had never looked this way before, and she was suddenly fearful for her safety. He had always had a temper, but this was the first time he had turned it on her.
 

"You mean you hoped I would never find out! What the hell is the matter with you? I raised that girl as my own!" he raged, advancing on Eve with his fists clenched. "You're no better than a whore!" He backhanded Eve across the face, sending her flying onto a hospital couch. "Tell me who the bastard is that slept with you--I'll kill him," he growled, as she held a shaking hand up to her reddening cheek.
 

Eve shook her head, her face stinging with pain. "I won't tell you anything--and if you raise a hand to me again--"Her words were cut off as he slapped her again, knocking her onto the floor. He went after her again, but two male orderlies held his arms, preventing him from reaching her. T.C. watched angrily as Eve was helped to her feet by a female nurse, her beautiful face marred by two vivid handprints. She had cried softly as the orderlies led him away, struggling and cursing.....

T.C. trembled with anger. She had betrayed him, yet she filed for divorce from him, claiming battered spouse, and had been granted it. Now he was going to find her and confront her about the lie she had had him live with for over twenty years, and once and for all find out who had made her pregnant. Then he would have revenge on them both!
 

The phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. Picking up the phone, he was brusque. "Yes?" he said, daring it to be one of those damned telemarketers.
 

"T.C. Russell, I presume?" the voice asked on the other end.
 

"Yes, what do you want?" he snapped, wanting to be on his way.
 

"My name is Ivy Crane, and I have some information that I think you want to hear."