AN: Due to a major Internet crash I wasn't able to update yesterday, that's why there will be two updates today.

Thanks for your understanding.


"Do you remember the day we met? Oh, you looked so dashing in your uniform. I was thrilled by your attentions, and then the letters … you were so romantic! Then, when you came back, you were this brooding hero , like every young woman's secret fantasy … I couldn't help it: I fell that much in love with you."

Snuggling into his chest, Maria was the picture of contentment. She was once again the naïve girl who seemed oblivious to her husband's coldness. It broke Jasper's heart, for he wished he had been able to be a true husband to his sweet natured wife. Maybe he could have been … but then he had met Alistair and everything had changed.

Shying away from those memories, Jasper turned to the woman in his arms. He was selfish enough to consider her state of mind as a second chance, and he wasn't about to let it slip through his fingers. He said sweet little things in her ear and played with her hair. She giggled merrily at his waggling eyebrows whenever he was suggesting naughty things.

That night when she invited him into her bed, Jasper had a moment of hesitation. Could he perform the act as it was meant to?