Page 10 of Unfaithful

"Cole."

Fuck, she was still talking.

I drew in a sharp breath and lowered my hands. "Yes, Elsa?"

"I need you to stay with me," she repeated, her voice firmer this time. "It's due any day now. I can't be alone."

She was right. She couldn't stay alone. But how?

What would I tell Sara?

It was impossible.

"You know I can't, Elsa. I don't know what to tell Sara."

"It's your child, Cole. Your child." Her voice sharpened with frustration. "Don't you want to be with her?"

Of course, I wanted that.

Buthow?

She moved closer, resting her head on my shoulder, her hand splayed over my chest.

"I've been very understanding, Cole," she murmured. "But I need you right now. I'm so afraid, and I'm all alone."

Her fingers curled slightly against my shirt as she whispered, "Please, Cole. Stay with me."

My brain went into overdrive, scrambling for a solution. Finally, I said, "I'll hire someone to stay with you. A maternity nurse or something."

She pushed away from me, hurt flashing across her face. "Don't you have a heart, Cole?"

Everything was so messed up. I grunted, running my hand down my face.

"You knew what you were signing up for, Elsa. I told you I'd never leave Sara. I've given you everything you need. But this, I can't give you."

She moved closer again, and I fought the urge to push her away.

Then, her lips brushed against my neck.

I stiffened.

"I never ask for anything," she murmured.

Bullshit. The house, the monthly allowance—every little demand she made—were all proof of the opposite.

"But this time," she whispered, her breath warm against my skin, "I'm asking. Please, stay with me."

My phone buzzed again. I ignored it. If it was Sara, I didn't think I could speak properly.

But then Lawrence burst into the room, his face pale.

"Cole," he panted, bracing a hand against the doorframe. "Sara is coming. I saw her through the glass door. She just got out of the elevator!"

CHAPTER FOUR

Sara

It might have been my imagination, but everyone was acting strange.