dinner, she opened her present to herself...
SUBDUED NOISES CAME from the lounge as Ethan opened the front door—the earliest he’d been home for months. Putting his briefcase and packages down, he strode in. He hadn’t let Alina know he was on his way, meaning to surprise her. Instead he was the one who stopped short, spellbound by the vision in front of him.
Alina was ensconced on the settee, her eyes lowered, completely absorbed in the material in her hands, her tucked-up legs hidden by a flowing pleated floral skirt. He took in the sleek line of her neck, the satin glow of her cheeks, the sweep of her dark brown lashes. A perfect picture of natural beauty, and for the rest of this year she was his to admire.
He stepped forward, willing her to look up, anxious not to startle her. Her own subtle aroma enhanced her new perfume, making his nostrils flare, stirring his blood. She sensed his presence, gave him a shy glad-to-see-you smile that zinged straight to his heart.
With two paces, completely forgetting his mental declaration of self-control, he was beside her, his arms around her. He bent his head, glimpsed the reticence in her eyes and somehow managed to pull back. Couldn’t stop his grip intensifying, though.
‘Ouch.’ His left leg jerked. He massaged his thigh and chuckled. ‘I’ve been slapped a few times. Never stabbed.’
Alina paled, staring at the small metal needle in her fingers. ‘I...I’m sorry. I...you...I was sewing. You made me forget I...’
He took the offending weapon and placed it on the coffee table alongside an array of coloured thread. ‘My fault. I was distracted by the entrancing sight on my settee. Didn’t allow for hidden danger.’
She blushed at the compliment. ‘It’s not sharp. Do you want to check if there’s bleeding?’
The nervous tremor in her voice, plus the remorse in her eyes, acted like a dousing of cold water. He’d shocked her, shamed himself. This macho being, acting on impulse, wasn’t him. He couldn’t explain even to himself, didn’t know why.
He moved away, dragging his fingers through his hair, trying to concentrate on the essential reason for her presence in his apartment. Five days ago he’d had no idea she existed. To her he was the preferred solution to a situation she didn’t want long-term.
Boardroom strategy—that was what he needed. He had to get back to his original plan. Convince everyone they’d been lovers. Keep his distance in private. Best solution for everyone—especially the woman observing him now with dark, cautious eyes.
He picked up the cloth stretched over a round wooden hoop from her lap. Various shades of green thread had already been woven into the outline of a country cottage garden.
‘Interesting. Pretty scene.’
‘Small, light, fits into my backpack and challenging enough to keep me occupied in the evenings.’ She took it from him and laid it on the table. ‘It’s absorbing—stops me from thinking too much.’
‘And you have a weapon handy if you’re attacked,’ he teased, standing up and pulling her to her feet. ‘New dress? Beautiful.’ His scroll from head to foot was deliberately quick, yet he still felt an appreciative clench. ‘Good shopping trip?’
Her smile faded. ‘Not my favourite occupation. Having no idea what size I’m going to be in a few weeks doesn’t help. How was your day?’
‘Busy. I received a delivery today. Let’s sit down.’
She tensed as he reached into his inside pocket and brought out a small black box.
Taking her left hand in his, he slid the amethyst ring onto her finger. ‘Perfect fit.’
She stared down at their joined hands. Her posture slumped.
‘Alina.’ Her head came up. He had a quick glimpse of sorrow, then it cleared. ‘Remember why we’re doing this. Who it’s for.’
‘I know.’ She freed her hand then crossed her arms, hugging her body. ‘It’s... All this isn’t what I expected.’ Her mouth tried to form a smile. Didn’t quite make it. ‘I won’t let you down.’
So brave, so determined to do the right thing, no matter how heart-wrenching her memories. So delightfully confused by her physical reaction to him.
Basic instinct urged him to hold her, protect her from more pain. But it wouldn’t work for either of them. She wasn’t going to stay. She had emotional baggage that his expectations of her were exacerbating. He had an agenda, an empire to build. He’d have a young child completely dependent on him.
He accepted he’d never be as approachable as his sister. She’d rebelled outwardly against their parents’ attitude, defied them to marry the man she loved, and emigrated to escape their continued interference. He’d channelled everything into developing his company, determined never to emulate his parents and end up in a cold, loveless marriage.
Better to stay a bachelor, to enjoy female company without emotional entanglements. Strict rules and no pain when it ended. Becoming a single father at this stage might throw his life out of whack, testing him to the full, but he’d cope, adjust and succeed.
And on the topic of interference, Alina needed to be aware of a major factor.
‘My parents won’t be invited, so please don’t wear the ring in public until after the wedding.’
She frowned, not understanding his meaning.
He explained. ‘I’ve gathered Louise mentioned their attitude on social standing and—unbelievable in today’s world—“breeding”. They take snobbery to a new height. You’re in or you’re out, no middle ground.’
His gut clenched as he recalled their fights with Louise, their turning on him when he had defended her and Leon.
‘They were never happy with Leon being my best friend because, although he was wealthy enough to give his children the best education affordable, his father had begun his working life as a bricklayer. His building firm is my main contractor, always will be. When Leon asked their permission to marry Louise they practically threw him out, forbade him from seeing her.’
‘Which obviously didn’t work. Couldn’t they see how happy they were? How much he...he adored her?’ Her voice faltered over the last few words.
‘That didn’t factor in their thinking. Our wedding may not be conventional, but I’d like it to be an occasion you’ll remember fondly. There’ll be no one there who might upset you in any way. Telling them afterwards gives them no choice but to accept that we’re married.’
‘I understand.’ She began to slip the ring off. He stopped her.
‘Keep it on at home. For me.’ He brought her fingers to his lips for a second, then stood up. ‘I’ve also got something to help occupy your time. Close your eyes.’
Alina had no fear of natural darkness. It was her own internal black world that tormented her. So, as soon as she sensed him leave she covered her eyes with her hands and opened them.
Shame
