The Burning Darkest World

by Romance Writer

Waiting alone in the great, oak-paneled library, with the sweet orchard smell wafting in from outside, the terrified Violetta thought once more of Doctor Ken, the loving suitor she had turned so thoughtlessly away. He was now, according to Countess Genevieve, lost forever in the wilds of the Amazon.

Then came an eerie chill of premonition, and she shut her eyes tight for one moment of silent prayer. He was here! "I’ve thought of you every minute I’ve been away, Adored One!" he boomed, pressing his lips to hers, and as the truth — the whole truth — slowly came home to her, she at last understood that for the two of them, life was only now really beginning.