Chapter 23 I was ready for his accusations and anger . His words didn't upset me . I just lay there calmly , meeting his furious , bewildered stare . " You've treated me well . You were always generous , perfectly polite - a true gentleman in every way. You just … never shared your work life with me or brought me around your friends . " You simply … stopped loving me . But that doesn't make you any less of a good husband or father ." My voice stayed even as I held his gaze , stating facts . Jared's eyes turned to stone . " That's ridiculous , " he snapped . " Why would I have married you if I didn't love you ? " I watched the color rise in his handsome face , his anger giving way to something closer to panic and guilt . I sighed and closed my eyes . " You did love me once . But love doesn't come with guarantees . Yours changed , and then faded . I could feel it . " " No … " Jared finally lost control . He pushed me down with sudden force , his mouth claiming mine in a kiss that burned with anger . His usual tenderness was gone - this was a storm I couldn't weather , his passion overwhelming me completely . My pajamas slipped away as he moved with rough urgency , his eyes darkening with need . Pinned beneath him , I couldn't resist - and after three months of tension , we finally crashed through that barrier together . His hands moved over me with urgent purpose , seeking the familiar responses that used to come so easily between us and some sign I still loved him . For the first time , he'd actually satisfied me completely . Yet I forced myself to keep playing the wounded wife because I knew this marriage still had more to give me . When he finally released me past 2 a.m. , I gathered the sheets around my trembling body and retreated to the guest room , my hair disheveled and eyes glistening with unshed tears . I couldn't guess Jared's thoughts , but he'd broken his own rules tonight . By making the first move , he'd let down his guard- and that first touch might have just cost him the upper hand . Jared's sudden change showed me the truth - when I stopped caring and started focusing on myself , unexpected things began to happen . Men never outgrew that primitive need to chase what eluded them . I realized that a woman couldn't afford to be gentle with men or love . She had to be tougher when necessary and walk away without hesitation when the time came . The morning came too soon . I was still half - asleep when Yvonne came barreling in . " Mom ! " she shouted , shaking me . " Wake up . It's playtime . No more sleeping . Play with me now ." I kept my eyes closed , pretending not to hear . My spoiling had made Yvonne forget all about manners - here she was , waking me at dawn . Just as I considered telling her off , Jared's voice came from the doorway . " Yvonne , come out . Let your mother sleep ." " Dad , she complained , " why did you marry someone so lazy ? " 1/2 " That's no way to speak about your mother , " Jared said firmly , ushering Yvonne out and closing the door behind them . I blinked at the shut door for a moment before drifting back to sleep . When I woke past nine , Yvonne was outside playing with her pony . Jared truly spoiled her - when she asked for a pony , he actually had a pure white miniature one flown in from overseas .