Alex today will have no effect on their relationships with Josh or

Maria.

But I want them all!

Patience.

Really? Okay. I want patience, and I want it now!

Josh must have heard her muffled snort of amusement, for he Looked over the edge of his sketch pad at her. "Something funny?"

“It would take a while to explain,” she said softly. She didn't move, but in an instant, her entire posture seemed to change, her lush, ripe body casually inviting. She stood, then walked over to where he sat, putting a world's worth of invitation into the four or five steps

She held out a hand to him. "Would you Like to come to bed?"

He put down the pad of paper, then looked over at his wife.

"Go ahead," Rachel said, her voice cheerfully indulgent. "You know you don't have to ask me for permission."

“Maybe," he replied.

“But I know the day I don't is the day I'll have my head handed to me on a platter." He took Rachel's hand. His own shook slightly.

"Althea." His voice was quiet, but all eyes were on him. "I've never...I haven't...." He took a deep breath. "Until Sarah, I'd never been with anyone besides Rachel. Ever. And I haven't since, either."

She smiled into his eyes. "I know, beautiful man." She cupped his cheek, her fingers Lightly tracing his skin. "Why do you think it makes you so attractive? When you love, you Love deeply. You give your whole heart to your lovers. Just as your wife does. And your children. And their mates.

“It's what make you irresistible to me. And probably to all of my kind.

It's not just the sex. Although that has been spectacular so far. It's your spirits.

“Come with me."

As Althea and Josh left, Yasna let her head sink. Her face crumpled in grief, and she fought to keep the racking, tearing sobs from bursting from her chest.

Maria looked at her, then rose, drawing Alex after her. "I think we should go." She cast a quick Look at Jeremy and Sarah.

“Would you like to come to my apartment for a little while? Alex is the only one who has seen it since I moved in."

The two murmured agreement, and soon Yasna was left alone with Rachel.

"I should go to bed," she said. Her voice sounded choked in her own ears.

“No, you shouldn't," Rachel said. "Althea and my husband will be in her room. You know, the one you shared with her last night? I don't think you would be happy to see them right now.

“What is the matter with you? You ran away from her this morning. And now, when she is Leaving you alone, you act as if she's your girlfriend and she just dumped you."

“I don't know," she moaned. Her heart felt like it was breaking. "I don't know what I want."