”Well, there’s no talking my way out of it. “Yes, that sounds wonderful. Six it is. Want me to bring the wine?”“Of course.” After a weak s...lap on the shoulder, Bill turned and wearily ambled away. Luke noticed that Kathryn was watching from their doorway. If her attention was divided between her husband and her lover, it wasn’t clear at this distance.There’s nothing I can say or do to make this easier for her, save to let her know I understand just how hard this is. He put his hand over his. ”“Leave it to a technical geek,” she remarked.“The green stone’s an emerald.”“I thought so.”“It’s in honor of the Emerald Buddha.”She kissed his lips. “I do think you’re a closet romantic, Christian. You’ve made me very happy. I’m on Cloud Nine.”Chris popped open the Champagne and filled the two glasses. He handed one to her and they clinked rims. “To us.”“To us.” She sipped from hers. “You’re right -- this is an essential part of your surprise.”“So, what’s your surprise?”“Well, not nearly as. Her throat was dry. She let out a cough and tried to sit upright. She was barefoot, wearing only a dull coloured jumpsuit, featureless save for a number embroided into it, covering her right breast, and a miniature zip at the front that led from her neck all the way down to her crotch.No, she was wearing more than just the jumpsuit. She reached down tentatively to feel her crotch. She was still in the belt! In prison, she wouldn't even be able to pay to have it removed, she realised, not even. He was my savior, he has always been my savior, my rock in the past. I don’t know why I thought it would be different now. His grip on my arms got subtly tighter, the look on his face almost furious. ‘No!’ he says and I can hear an almost shake or tremble to his voice, and I know my words affected him. I cant understand his reaction. Ive known him forever, but I have never meant anything more than a friend to him. He was a source of happiness to me because of the feelings I had harbored, deep.