Chapter 69

Benedict had fallen asleep after their passionate lovemaking and the soft cushions did not transmit her deep sobs to Benedict’s side of the bed. Tears flowed freely as she cried. Hester cried releasing years of pain. Old pain, new pain, betrayal - Atomas and hers. Her betrayal of Harbem and Benedict. Her betrayal of herself. She felt like packing the minimum amount of belongings and leaving.

Right then. Right there.

She knew it would destroy Benedict emotionally but perhaps it was what he needed. Perhaps if she did, it would cause sufficient anger in Benedict for him to turn and be more resolute in his dealings with others. She suspected though that he would possibly be distracted and launch a massive manhunt for her. At worst he would turn and outlaw her too. She had no way of telling for sure. She knew she loved him. He had been kind to her and had given her the respect she had never had with Atomas. He had been faithful to her. And she had betrayed him. She de