Emond's face was serious.

Mike said slowly, "Don't regret when she doesn't love you."

Emond frowned. He said nothing.

Finally, Mike pointed out, "Do you like her already?"

Emond said nothing. He fell back firmly, sank into the sofa, bowed his head slightly, and smiled ruefully. "She has a crush on someone else."

He thought of the image of Christina confronting him for Victor, and of the man she had spoken of hiding in her heart.

It was like a hand on his throat, making him gasp.

He wanted the man to disappear before his eyes, but he was afraid of losing her.

"Now that you're in love with Christina,...