A Love Too Strong To Break 4

Changes

by Arcturus

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/asa/arcturus/loveto04.php
Summary: Sam is back at the SGC, but all is not well.
Info: My thanks as always to Oxfordshoes2 for the beta.

It was the evening of the second day of her schedule three confinement. Sam was lying on her bunk trying to picture the equation she had demonstrated at the Academy; the one Hailey had pointed out was wrong. Her thoughts spun to the young officer and Sam wondered how she was getting along.

Sam was suddenly aware of someone watching her. Her first notion was that it was Mathews, but that was soon dismissed; he probably wouldn't be walking for a few more days. She propped herself on to her elbows to be greeted by Fernandez who was staring at her. Sam swung her legs to the floor, but didn't stand. "What?" she managed.

"A lot of people have wanted to do that to Mathews. I can't believe you took him down so easily."

"Thought a dyke wasn't capable?" Sam could feel her anger beginning to rise.

The other woman rubbed at the back of her neck uneasily. "Yeah about that... Look..."

Sam stood abruptly and stepped towards the bars. "You scared now huh? Think you might be next."

"It's just, well, you know when you first arrived, it was like you were better than us, you didn't want to know anyone: that really got to me. I wanted to teach you a lesson."

There was silence then, Sam not ready to cut Fernandez any slack: at least not yet.

"I'm just saying that maybe I got you figured wrong. That's all," she paused again struggling for words, "and I'm sorry for what happened. I can't take it back: but I'm sorry."

Sam shrugged in resignation. "Well at least Mathews should be quieter now..." She smiled and shook her head, stepping back to the bunk, indicating she'd had enough of the conversation.

"I'll catch up with you when they release you." Sam was left alone again.

***

"Have you seen the restrictions he's put in place?" Daniel stormed, angry at the document he had just read.

"Look Daniel, I know it's not ideal, but at least Sam will be here. We will be able to keep an eye on her, offer her support. Would you prefer she stayed in that place?" Jack asked. He too was outraged at what Kinsey was pushing for, but they were between a rock and a hard place and if he knew Sam, she would rather be at the SGC than locked away changing light bulbs.

"I know, it's just... god, he's treating her like a traitor who would sell us out for the right price."

He was halted from saying more as Janet entered the briefing room. She too had an identical folder tucked under her arm, and like Daniel she looked far from happy.

"Alright Doc?" Jack queried as she sat at the table beside Daniel.

"Really? No, but I'll get over it." She bit at him. The archeologist squeezed her arm in support.

Hammond entered then, his scowl indicating that he too had issues. "Alright people, let's get this discussion under way..."

***

Day eight: Sam was going stir crazy, locked in her cell twenty three hours a day with nothing to occupy her. As well as keeping her little stone heart hidden from Carrick, she had also managed to stash a pencil and some paper that he had not found. Unfortunately there was not much of it, and she had to use it carefully for fear of being caught. So she had restricted herself to writing for an hour a day: which - after six for sleeping and one for exercise - left an excruciating sixteen hours when she had nothing to do but think.

She couldn't believe that over six months had passed since she had last seen Janet. Three visits from Jack and Daniel had kept her from falling into the yawning abyss that was despair; but her yearning to see or even just talk to her lover grew rather than diminished; and the realization that her mental health was deteriorating deeply frightened Sam. As she lay on her bunk idly tracking the cracks in the ceiling she couldn't help the tears that stung her eyes. Curling onto her side, she pulled her thin pillow further under her head pressing herself against the wall of her cell.

Sam found it increasingly difficult to focus on the good times with Janet, the things that kept her from going crazy, but as her hand slipped between her legs her thoughts drifted to the soft feel of Janet's hands. A clear memory of Jack's cabin leapt into her mind; that fateful trip had started so wonderfully; the two of them behaving like teenagers as they emptied the car. Janet had slapped Sam's ass hard and the taller woman had without hesitation, scooped Janet into her arms and dropped her from the dock into the icy water. Once over the shock Janet responded by leaping athletically to dry land and with surprising strength shoved a still hysterical Sam into the water herself. The hard fast lovemaking that followed as they lay on the grass was seared into Sam's memory; yanking off wet clothes, tearing at each other's skin with teeth and nails, heady scents of late summer, naked flesh and arousal... She came with a sob and drifted into a dream filled sleep.

Sam slept longer than she had expected - as she was awoken by the soft click of the bars releasing. Mindful of the last time that happened, she was instantly up and alert. It was after lockdown, the muted lights on the landing hardly penetrating the gloom in the cell. Two guards stepped into the space and she feared the worst. "Get your things together Carter, you're moving," one of them snapped.

Momentarily bewildered by the request, she remained sitting on the bunk. She looked round the sparse cell, made even more barren by the removal of all her personal items over a week ago. "I don't have anything to take," she said, grateful that her small stone was resting in the front of her bra, her safe place for it when she was in the cell.

The closest guard then gripped her elbow and pulled her to standing. They used cuffs on her wrists and escorted her out of the confined space and down the stairs. Her legs were pretty stiff from inactivity causing her to stumble several times. She wondered if the SGC would be told of her move; the thought that she was being taken somewhere she may not come back from suddenly loomed large in her mind. Sam slowed her pace as the panic rose and she was rewarded with a harsh shove in her back. Thinking that she was going to respond violently to them, the guards each gripped an arm and practically dragged her the rest of the way from the complex into the waiting van.

***

Several long hours passed in the bleak metal cage. Despite the late hour, Sam had not been able to sleep, the discomfort and constant movement of her surroundings adding to her rising anxiety.

At last it appeared they had reached their destination. The van slowed, then moved faster, then slowed again as if they were passing a series of check points. Then it stopped completely. The cold air that penetrated through the open door made Sam shiver. She slid along the bench to the opening and was helped to the ground by one of her escorts. Her knees almost gave out when she realized where they were.

Sam's mind was filled with a dozen questions, none of which she could voice or answer herself. Quickly she was escorted to the familiar entrance and after a brief pause; they made their way into the mountain. A cell on level 16 was their destination.

Once she was alone, Sam began to try and make sense of the situation. She paced back and forth, attempting to calm herself and order her thoughts. Her relief at being back on familiar territory was overshadowed by a huge uncertainty regarding the reasons behind her return. Eventually settling uneasily onto the unfamiliar mattress, she tried once more to still her mind and sleep.

***

The first time Janet laid eyes on her lover in over six months was on the monitor that projected a video feed from the cell that Sam was currently occupying. Struggling hard to keep from being overwhelmed by the sensations racing through her body, Janet forced herself to cast a critical, professional eye over Sam. The grainy black and white image did not help her make an accurate assessment but already there were several things that alarmed her. Her weight loss was clear to see and the way she paced back and forth distractedly did not bode well for her state of mind. Even though the picture was far from perfect, Janet could also see marked bruising on Sam's throat and wondered at its cause. Apparently she needed to wait until after Sam had seen Simmons before Warner could do an exam. So close, her lover was so close...

***

Sam did not wake until well past 1100, the delivery of food being the thing to stir her. Even though she had no appetite, Sam forced herself to eat. Two guards then entered the cell, cuffed her hands in front of her and escorted her a short way down the corridor and into one of the interview rooms. She was greeted by Colonel Simmons. Her stomach plummeted when the door shut behind her and she was left alone with the odious man. He smiled his best leering smile, "Sit down Carter."

Sam obeyed, resting her cuffed hands on the table. She looked him directly in the eye, willing herself not to show her apprehension.

"It seems Carter that the SGC is incapable of functioning effectively without you."

He watched her take the information in, hoping for a reaction. He was disappointed. "However, seeing as you are serving a term for your flagrant disrespect of military policy, there must be a number of precautions and restrictions put into place for you to come back."

He slid a folder over the table to her and Sam opened it to find two sheets of paper inside. It appeared to be a contract. Her eyes widened as she read what she would be expected to do and not do.

Already knowing the answer, she asked, "What's the alternative?"

"Back to where you came from of course," he smiled.

She read it over again; stunned at the restrictions they had put in place. While she would be back doing what she loved, her access to Janet was almost non-existent. Was it going to be harder knowing how close her lover was, yet still so far out of reach? "Alright. Looks like I don't have a choice."

"There's always a choice Carter, it's just about making the right one."

She snorted her derision at his cocky demeanor. "Give me a pen to sign."

The meeting was over quickly, Sam keeping a copy of the document so she could digest it more thoroughly. She was taken then to the room that had been prepared for her. It contained a bed, a table, two chairs and a cupboard, which on closer inspection was filled with gray prison uniform. Although the door locking behind her unnerved Sam, she was happy to see a bathroom with a shower and there, on the bed, was the plastic bag with her confiscated possessions. She moved quickly to ensure they were all there, taking care to relearn each one as it came once more into her possession. Carefully Sam arranged her things on the top of the cupboard then sat on the bunk and read the document over several more times.

She would have a twenty-four hour guard. Work was restricted to the labs unless there was a situation that needed her input. Work hours were 0800 until 1800, and free time, which could include escorted visits topside for fresh air and access to the gym was between 1800 and 2000. Her quarters would reflect the prison cell she had recently left, the one improvement being proper bathroom facilities. She would have access to SG-1 team members for an hour everyday if she chose. One personal telephone call a week was allowed. A 30 minute supervised meeting once a week with Doctor Fraiser was also allowed. All medical matters would be dealt with by Warner; she was not to be seen by Janet unless no-one else was available. Any violation of ANY of the restrictions would result in immediate confinement and probable removal from the facility.

Sam sighed in resignation, it was better than her previous situation; at least there would be no more NID interference. She should be thankful for this change; but a large part of her continued to resent the fact that she had been put in this position in the first place. Still, she was back working in a place she loved and with people she trusted. For that she was grateful.

***

The team of six guards assigned to Sam was led by a man called Johnson. Each took a twelve hour shift starting at 0800 and 2000 respectively. It appeared the whole group had been picked and briefed by Simmons; for they treated her with contempt and found every opportunity to make life difficult. Johnson particularly seemed to relish his power over her and right from the outset made his thoughts about her and her relationship with Janet very clear.

Bill Warner had been able to do a basic examination when she had first arrived but a thorough medical was not sanctioned. Doctors Fraiser and Warner were told that the notes they had received with Sam's transfer were complete and up to date. Judging by Bill's report on some of the marks and scars he had noted on Sam's body, Janet doubted that this statement was true, but there was little she could do about it.

***

They quickly settled into a routine and despite everything, Sam loved being back in the mountain tackling things that really mattered. She was surprised at the amount of support she received from the base staff, all of them appearing to be more than happy to have her there. She guessed she should never have doubted it, but after everything that had happened in the last six months, it was easy to forget what true loyalty really meant.

She met with all three members of her former team, contented to once more be in their company. It was hard to discuss their missions and adventures, but Sam sat stoically through descriptions of planets and peoples, trying not to let her jealousy get the better of her. It was fantastic just to be near them again.

Sam spoke to Cassie on the phone, catching up on all the teenager's latest exploits and boyfriends. This she could do. It appeared to be so easy to make the young girl's day; she vowed to call her every week so as not to miss out on any more of the teen's life than she had to.

Her guards were harder to get along with. They took advantage of Sam's fear of being removed from the SGC and began to impose their own petty rules. A lock quickly appeared on her clothing cupboard, restricting her access to clean uniform and the hot water in the shower was suddenly limited to one day a week. If she needed to clean herself, it was under a cold spray. Sam didn't complain.

***

Sam paced the room impatiently, trying to ignore Johnson as he stood by the door. He had made it perfectly clear that he would not tolerate any touching and that he would report her without hesitation if he saw anything he deemed inappropriate. It had not even been a week and already Sam's opinion of him was lower than that of Mathews.

The door opened and she heard the familiar click of heels on the concrete. She turned and had to steady herself on the wall, the sight before her more beautiful than she had imagined. Sam's body flushed with heat as she drank in what she had been denied for so long, a languid smile forming on her face.

Johnson was suddenly forgotten as the pair stood a few feet apart reveling at finally being in each other's presence. The moment stretched on as they scrutinized familiar lines and curves and noted subtle changes in each other.

Suddenly conscious of the time restriction on them, Sam motioned for Janet to sit. She had moved the two chairs in her quarters so they were on either side of the table, thinking this was the safest way to be. As much as Sam yearned to break this regulation, she had no desire to face Johnson's or Simmons' wrath. Once they were settled, the blonde looked into Janet's eyes and smiled. "Hey." She said softly, forcing back the sudden rush of emotion. Inhaling deeply to control herself, she continued, "You look great. How have you been?"

Janet was still trying to get over the initial shock of seeing her lover. Granted she had had longer to digest the restrictions on their relationship, but now, seeing Sam in the flesh, she didn't know how they would manage. The one thought running through her head was that she just wanted to gather Sam in her arms, kiss her softly and whisper that together they could get through it. Acutely aware of the tightness in her chest and the emotion in her throat, Janet swallowed forcibly and focused on those glorious blue eyes. "Hey yourself... it is so good to see you Sam."

Suddenly finding her head empty of anything coherent, the doctor impulsively reached her hand across the table. Sam leapt from the chair, eyes darting to the interested gaze of Johnson. For several minutes she stood trying to calm her racing heart. Sinking slowly back into her seat, she clasped her hands between her knees and cursed as she felt hot tears on her cheeks. "Sorry," she mumbled into her lap, "it's just I never want to go back there again: EVER."

Cautiously she lifted her eyes to Janet, the sorrow written on her lover's face almost too much to bear. "Oh god, this is so hard."

Janet's alarm at Sam's panicked state was not easily calmed. Now she was close enough to her lover she could really begin to see her poor state of health. Her body was thin, her face drawn and her hands trembled slightly. The marks on her neck that Doctor Warner had noticed on her return were still there, as if Sam had been restrained for long hours. She could also see similar trauma around her wrists. "Sam? What did they do to you?"

Janet watched her lover try to get hold of herself. Her blue eyes closed for several seconds and she inhaled deeply, before settling more comfortably in the chair and resting her hands back on the table. Sam's eyes opened and she attempted a smile. "I'm sorry Janet I didn't mean to be so jumpy. It's not important what happened before, what is important is I am here and you're here and we have time together. I know it's not much but I hope it is enough."

Sam was gifted with one of Janet's warm smiles, her dark eyes lighting with the action. "Sam, I know this is hard, but we promised each other. We can get through this... together."

The doctor kept her hands in her lap, despite their need to feel Sam's soft skin against them. "I'm sorry about trying to touch you, I promise I won't do it again. I don't know what they did to you there, but I know it wasn't good."

Sam's head dropped and in the silence Janet could hear her uneven breaths. "Look at me," she whispered.

Tearful eyes rose to meet her and Janet's throat closed at the vulnerability she saw there. "I love you Sam. Nothing - no one will ever change that. I promise."

She was rewarded with the smile that Sam reserved just for her.

***

Janet received the first patient with sickness and diarrhea at 2208. Two hours later, when the eighth person staggered to the infirmary, she was glad to think that most of the day staff would be suffering this at home. It had been confirmed already as a norovirus and she had put the base on quarantine. She had no idea from whom it had originated although General Hammond already had people working on keeping it contained outside the base.

Sam woke at a little after midnight with terrible stomach cramps. Scrabbling frantically with the bed sheets, she raced to the bathroom and vomited the contents of her stomach down the toilet. This did not make her feel better. She groaned in pain as she sat and emptied her bowels. She took several deep breaths in an effort to get her stomach under control; it was not very effective.

It was a while before she felt able to attempt getting to her feet; flushing and washing her hands left her shaking and unable to stand without leaning on the wall. Very slowly she fumbled her way from the bathroom and banged on the door to get the guard's attention. Johnson poked his head into the room on her third attempt. "What?" he barked.

"Not well, need to see a doctor," Sam managed from her position propped against the wall.

"Nice try Carter, now go back to bed."

The door shut on her.

Sam slid down the wall and leaned her overheated head on the cool concrete. She had begun to slip back into sleep when her stomach cramped violently again and sent her limping back to the bathroom. The ensuing bout of retching left her devoid of energy and she curled up on the floor to try and sleep. It was in vain, her stomach insisting it needed emptying three further times.

Understanding that she needed medical attention, Sam willed her limbs into motion and crawled slowly back to the door. She had to rest for several minutes before she felt able to bang to attract Johnson's notice. This time he was angry. "If you try this stunt any more Carter I will report you to Simmons. Now shut your mouth and go to sleep."

He was oblivious to her state of health, as he was more intent on keeping her in her cell and away from the infirmary. She sank once more to the floor and despite the continued cramping of her stomach could not find the necessary reserves to reach the bathroom. Sam was not sure how long she endured before she passed out.

Johnson entered the room at 0630 to be greeted by an unconscious body just feet from the door. He took control of his initial panic, dismissing the thought of dragging Sam's limp body to the bed. It was obvious that she had been by the door for some time. He would just deny ever hearing her call for help.

It was Janet that arrived with the medical team, all of them masked and gloved, and the doctor was acutely aware of Johnson's eyes on her the whole time. Practiced as she was, she pushed away all thoughts of him and concentrated on Sam. She was running a fever and appeared to have lost a lot of body fluids. Janet wondered at the position of her lover by the door, had she tried to get attention? Quelling the anger she felt rising she turned to Johnson and asked, "Didn't Carter call for help?"

"I was here all night ma'am; I didn't hear her at all."

Janet let her eyes linger on him, scrutinizing every inch of his face. However much power he thought her held over Sam, she would not be cowed by him. He fidgeted and looked away. Janet had her answer, he was lying.

The two nurses had lifted Sam onto the gurney and now the team was ready to head for the infirmary. Much to Janet's annoyance, Johnson tagged along.

They had to shuffle round the patients that were already there to find Sam a spot, and as soon as Johnson spotted Warner he insisted the male doctor take over. But Bill was having none of it. "You're in the way here. I suggest if you feel the need to stay you wait outside. Whatever your orders are and whoever they come from, in all matters medical Doctor Fraiser has command over everyone; including you. Now leave."

The two doctors turned their attention to the newest patient and the obnoxious guard was dismissed from the scene. Warner took some blood and quickly confirmed that Sam was the latest victim of the virus. They made short work of hooking her up to an IV so they could help her body rehydrate itself and give it something to fight the virus. As they were finishing up, Janet took the time to still Warner's hands and gave him an appreciative squeeze. "Thanks Bill," she smiled. He returned the gesture, "No problem Janet, anytime."

Sam regained consciousness within a couple of hours, but she was very weak and spent the best part of two days just sleeping. She was aware that Janet was around a lot of the time, but she also noticed that her constant guard had been banished to outside the room. She could still see him, but the distance between them was good. As the hours passed and her strength was returning, Sam took the opportunity to lay and think about all that had happened.

The last two weeks had seen her go from mindless days changing light bulbs in a place full of strangers, to tackling alien technology and gate diagnostics in a place she loved, surrounded by people who cared for her. She got to at least set eyes on Janet nearly everyday and conversations were once again meaningful and relevant. There were drawbacks, but these were outweighed by the feeling that she now had some chance of lasting the five years. For the first time since that fateful day, Sam actually felt like she was edging back from the mouth of the abyss, walking slowly away from the desolation that had engulfed her and back into the arms of those she loved.

On the evening of her third day in the infirmary Sam sat eyeing the tray of food the nurse had brought. Bill had told her, if she ate it and kept it down, he would allow her to return to her quarters. She hated to admit it, but the sight of gray mashed potatoes, tired looking carrots and some unidentified meat, made her stomach turn. It looked like she might be spending another night in the infirmary. She was still debating with herself when the doctor in question approached. He looked serious. Stepping close to the bed, Bill pulled the privacy curtain closed behind him and turned to face her. He appeared to be uncomfortable as if he was unsure of how to start the conversation. "Sam," he hesitated, "there's something I need to discuss with you."

He looked nervously at the folder he clutched to his chest and Sam's anxiety rose; Bill was usually direct, sometimes blunt. It was obvious he was struggling. He sighed. "There is no easy way to tell you this, and I'm sure it's something you don't want to hear."

Sam shifted uncomfortably, trying to stop her mind racing away with possibilities. "What is it?" she whispered, unable to find a strong voice.

"You're pregnant," he managed.

The bile that had threatened at the sight of food rose up her throat and Sam had to clamp her hand over her mouth to stop it. She felt the color drain from her face and tears sting her eyes. With everything that her body had been through in the last five years, her menstrual cycles were erratic at best and often non-existent; so she had not been concerned when she had not bled for a couple of months. Her first shuddering thoughts were of the conception. Mathews was the father.

Warner's warm hand on her arm brought her back to the present. "I'm sorry Sam. There are several courses of action, first we need to properly gauge how far along you are, then..."

"I want it terminated," Sam said, her voice devoid of emotion. She could not carry that man's child, not under any circumstances.

"I think you need time to digest this properly Sam."

"No," she gritted, "I don't want it. I need it terminated."

And now she couldn't prevent the tears spilling down her cheeks. "Does Janet know?" she whispered.

"Yes." Sam turned on her side, indicating her desire to be alone, she wrapped her arms tightly round herself and sobbed, her world once more crashing down upon her.

Janet waited anxiously in her office for Bill to return from his difficult task. He stepped into the space, face grim. "How did she take it?" Janet mustered.

"Not well. She wants it terminated," Bill responded.

Janet sank into her chair, her thoughts with her lover. She wondered what else had happened in that god forsaken place that Sam would not speak about. She wanted desperately to go to her, to hold her and tell her everything would be alright. Her frustration at not being able to do so brought tears to her eyes.

"Bill?" Janet enquired, once she had pulled herself together. "Can you get that jerk away from Sam for five minutes; I just want some time alone with her."

Bill smiled, "My pleasure, I'm sure he needs to be tested for the norovirus; just in case."

The two doctors moved out of the office and to their respective tasks. Bill guided the reluctant guard away from his post and Janet headed to her lover's bed, pulling the curtain round to ensure their privacy, even if only for a short time.

Sam was still curled on her side, shoulders shaking as she cried silently. Janet wondered how often her lover had done that when she had been locked up. Steeling herself against the emotion in her heart, she moved round the bed into Sam's line of sight. Crouching down so she could see her face fully, Janet ran a gentle hand through blond locks. She registered the stiffening of Sam's body and the immediate opening of scared blue eyes. Janet smiled gently, reassuringly. "Hey, it's only me."

Sam's first reaction was to look round for the ever present escort. "Bill's running some vital tests," Janet said. "We're alone for a while."

Sam relaxed a little and moved her hand to Janet's face, shivering with pleasure at the feel of soft skin under her fingers. Fresh tears spilled though as she thought of her situation. "I'm sorry," she mustered.

"Whatever for?" Janet asked in confusion.

"I couldn't stop him, he came when I wasn't able to..." Sam trailed off as she realized what she was about to confess. Janet had enough to deal with without knowing about the NID.

"Shh, shh, it's okay, you have nothing to be sorry for. We will get this sorted Sam, I promise, first thing in the morning. It won't be pleasant, but it will be quick."

Sam nodded gratefully. Still with her hand on Janet's face she whispered, "Can you hold me? Please? Just for a minute."

She knew she shouldn't ask really, it wasn't fair to Janet, but right then all Sam could think was she wasn't capable of taking another breath unless Janet held her. She felt warm arms wrap round her shoulders, pulling her tightly into an embrace; and in that moment, everything else faded away. Here she was safe; here was where she belonged, no matter what.

Too soon Sam felt the arms release her. This was why it had been a bad idea, all she craved was more. "Thank you," she managed, looking up into her lover's eyes. They held each other's gaze for long moments, conversing silently, offering strength and promises that needed no words.

Bill's louder than necessary voice alerted them to the end of their time together. Janet squeezed Sam's hand, bent and kissed her forehead and slipped from the curtained area in less than a blink.

***

The following morning Sam waited anxiously for Warner to come and explain what was going to happen. It was nearly 1000 hours when the doctor appeared, but Sam's heart plummeted when she saw who was also present: Simmons. Bill shrugged helplessly at her and was dismissed by the colonel who pulled the curtain some way round them so they were blocked from view. "Well Carter, this is an interesting development," he smirked. "I hear you want it terminated."

"Not that it has anything to do with you, but yes, I do want it terminated." Sam was pleased that she sounded so strong. She hated the way this man made her feel.

"Well now, that's where you're wrong Carter. It has everything to do with me. Do you know how many people have been itching for you to get pregnant? Of course the whole Fraiser thing put a damper on us ever thinking it would happen... But I digress; you know as well as I do that any child of yours could potentially answer some huge questions for us. Latent Goa'uld abilities and memories – invaluable."

"No!" she spat, understanding where this was going.

"No?" he quipped. "The choice is yours Carter. If you have the baby you get to stay here. If you decide on termination, you will be removed back to prison; and there are some mightily pissed off people waiting for you."

Clamping down on the tears of anger and despair she felt Sam sucked in some controlling breaths. She would not let him see her cry; ever. He was presenting her with another dilemma; there was in fact no choice - the unspoken threat obvious. She thought she had hated him before, now the venom she felt threatened to overwhelm her. If she went ahead with her plans, everything she had gained in the last fortnight would be ripped away and she would be vey much worse off. Could she carry the child of a man she despised? It appeared she had no other option. Not if she wanted to live. Sam looked at him squarely, not flinching away from him, she would never give him that satisfaction. "It appears I don't have a choice," she gritted.

He patted her leg patronizingly, "Good girl, I knew you would see it my way."

Simmons was lucky Sam had nothing within her grasp to throw at him. She fisted her hands, willing herself under control until he left. She sat like that for several long moments after he had gone, then curled into a ball and wept.

TBC

Next: Glimmer Of Hope