The Right Bride: Book Three: The Hunted Series

by Jennifer Ryan

  Chapter Fifteen

  * * *

  MARTI MADE ALL the arrangements with Gregory and rushed upstairs to change and grab what she needed for Emma.

  She loved the rooms he’d assigned her. She told him about her work and her hobby of painting, and he’d accommodated her for her stay.

  George gave her the blue room. Cream-colored walls were the backdrop to her beautiful antique four-poster bed with a soft, sky-blue silk coverlet. The midnight rug beneath the bed was so thick her toes sank into it. Every day, at George’s request, the staff freshened the vases of lovely garden roses and wildflowers. They graced the long dresser, the little table in front of the windows where she sat reading reports each night and looking up at the stars, and each side of the bed. When she woke each morning, it was to the glorious smell of roses and lilacs.

  Her clothes filled the walk-in closet. One gown in particular caught her eye. Perfect for her purpose tonight.

  Dressed, her excitement building, she ran downstairs and opened the vault. George made a point to show her how to open it, so when he died she could retrieve the contents for his family.

  They spent a lot of time yesterday going over things in the house. He wanted her to know about the antiques and furnishings. She thought it was nice his home reflected him. He had a real appreciation for the things he’d collected over the years.

  She pulled what she needed out of the vault and made a quick pit stop in front of the hall mirror to put the final touch on her outfit. She took a last look in the mirror and decided she did indeed look like a princess. Now to transform Emma.

  Marti glided into the room and Cameron completely lost his train of thought. His mouth hung open in mid-sentence. His gut tightened and his heart stopped.

  She looked like a queen in her gold dress. The skirt was full and billowed as she walked. The top was strapless and fitted like a corset. A band of golden beads went across the top of her breasts. She looked magnificent. Around her head and over her forehead she wore what was normally a necklace. Tonight it was a crown of diamonds and emeralds. A very expensive piece he recognized as belonging to George’s dead wife.

  Marti carried another necklace, a ruby and diamond choker. The wrap for her dress draped over her arm, and she carried a small bag.

  “Are you guys okay?”

  George recovered first. “You look like a queen, my dear.”

  Cameron remained struck silent.

  “Not a queen, Knight, a princess.” She made a deep curtsy and stood. “Princess Marti at your service. Princess Emma, stand and I shall transform you into your true self.”

  Emma jumped up from her spot next to her dad on the couch. She stood in front of Marti, while she wrapped the long golden shawl around her and secured it with a ruby and diamond pin on her shoulder.

  “It’s so sparkly,” she beamed, a huge smile on her face.

  Marti pulled her hair up, tied it in a knot on the back of her head, and secured it with a clip. She crowned her with the ruby and diamond necklace. For the finishing touches, Marti put some pink blush and eye shadow on her. She kissed her and transferred her own lipstick to Emma. Emma smacked her lips together. She spun on her toes to her dad.

  “How do I look, Daddy?”

  “You look like what you are, sweetheart, my princess.”

  Cameron swallowed hard. His throat ached with emotion. He couldn’t help it. She looked beautiful. He couldn’t believe Marti would go through so much trouble for one little girl, a little girl who wasn’t even hers. What a shame Emma wasn’t Marti’s.

  He fought the choked up feeling rising in the back of his throat. He looked up at the radiant smile on Marti’s face as she looked down at his little girl. A golden goddess, the both of them.

  This is what his daughter wanted. A woman to see her as special. Who didn’t want to be looked at like Marti looked at Emma? He may not be able to give Emma the mother she wanted, but she had Marti tonight. Maybe it would be enough for a lifetime. Having Marti once would never be enough for him. He hoped it would be enough for Emma. It might be all she ever had of being loved by a mother figure like her.

  “Come with me, Princess Emma. Your royal tea party awaits.”

  “I don’t like tea,” Emma said and scrunched her face in disgust and disappointment.

  “Good thing we’re having chocolate shakes.”

  “Yum.” Emma jumped and spun around in her princess costume.

  “Yum is right.” She took Emma’s hand. Before she passed George, she bent down and kissed his cheek. “Be gentle. He’s already had a hard day.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  * * *

  SHE AND EMMA sat cross-legged on the dining room table drinking milkshakes out of the finest china teacups Marti had ever seen. They used a silver water pitcher to pour their “tea.” A china plate overflowed with cookies. The sugar bowl was filled with cherries they dipped in the chocolate shakes and popped into their mouths.

  Emma thought the tea party was so much fun. It did Marti’s heart good to see the girl so happy. They talked about her school. Marti told her some funny stories about sailing around the world and about her childhood. At every opportunity, Marti tried to reiterate Emma was special, and no matter what happened with her father, she would be okay.

  They toasted each other with teacups. Cameron entered the dining room to the clink of china. What a picture they made. Sitting opposite each other on top of the long table, a pretty tea set and a plate of cookies sat between them. Emma looked so pleased. No doubt the tea party was a huge hit.

  The two of them glowed under the crystal chandelier, spilling light over the sparkling jewels and the gold of Marti’s gown and Emma’s wrap. His little princess had a chocolate mustache and jelly from the cookies on her hands.

  They made such an amazing picture. Two beauties having a tea party on top of a grand table in a grand room. He would have never thought to do something so amazing and imaginative for his daughter. Marti not only thought of it, she’d put the whole tea party together in a matter of minutes.

  Their joined laughter had rolled over him, filled his aching heart, even in the face of learning his oldest and dearest friend was dying. George meant so much, had been a huge influence in his life. He filled a gap in his life Cameron hadn’t realized healed a bit more with each gesture George made toward him. Every game he attended, every encouraging word, every opportunity provided by George had filled the gaping hole in his heart. Losing George would be a profound loss for him and Emma.

  Looking at Marti now, Cameron realized he owed George for her too. He’d brought Marti into his life and Emma’s and in a matter of days she’d made a huge impact on both of them.

  Cameron wanted her. He realized his life was going to be less than whole without her in it. He felt the loss of her, even though he’d never had her.

  “You two make a pretty picture,” he said from the entryway.

  Marti turned toward Cameron and her heart ached. Seeing the sadness and anguish in his crystal blue eyes made her want to take away all the hurt, but she couldn’t, and that hurt her too. His life was in so much turmoil, yet when his gaze fell on Emma’s smiling face, the sadness softened to a love so deep she felt it from him too.

  “I left my digital camera on the sideboard. Would you take our picture?”

  He found the camera, turned it on, and snapped the photo. He couldn’t remember ever seeing his daughter smile so big or look so happy. He didn’t need the photo to remember this moment. He’d never forget it, or Marti.

  “How was the tea party?”

  “It was awesome, Daddy. Do you want a cup of chocolate tea?”

  “No thanks. Um, sweetheart, Knight wants to talk to you for a few minutes. He wants to tell you a story before we go home.”

  “Okay.”

  She stood on the table. About to throw her arms around Marti, her father yelled, “No. You’re covered in chocolate and jelly cookie. You’ll ruin Marti’s dress.”

  “It’s
all right. It’s just a dress. You can buy me a new one,” she mimicked his words to Shelly from the other night. “Actually, I can have it dry cleaned. I’d rather have the hug than the dress.”

  Emma hugged her and jumped off the table carrying the napkin Marti handed her.

  “This looks like some tea party. Milkshakes in tea cups, very imaginative.”

  “Last night it was fruit punch in wine glasses, today milkshakes in silver water pitchers and tea cups. She brings out the child in me.” Marti smiled for Cameron and hoped he’d smile back. He didn’t.

  Cameron was having a hard time dealing with the events unfolding in his life. He’d confirmed Shelly’s pregnancy, gotten engaged, told his daughter about the baby and the upcoming wedding, and gotten a less than enthusiastic response. He’d come to dinner, a chance to relax and enjoy an evening with an old friend, only to find out George was dying. The lost look on his face didn’t surprise her.

  She scooted off the table and walked the few steps to him. She wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and held him with her head on his chest.

  For a moment he just stood there. He’d never forget the smell of her hair, the contours of her body pressed to his, the way she fit him to perfection. The longer he stood there, the tighter she held on. Giving in to need, finally, he put his arms around her and held her close. He’d been afraid to touch her, fearing he’d never let her go.

  “Emma was right, you hug like you mean it.”

  “Why do it if you don’t mean it.”

  She had a point. He lifted her, pressed his cheek to hers as she rested her chin on his shoulders. On her tiptoes, he wrapped her up closer, tighter.

  “It’s going to be okay, Cameron.”

  He took her in. Her scent intoxicated him, her heat seeped into his soul, the feel of her so right in his arms. “Do you promise?”

  “I don’t make promises I can’t keep. I’ll tell you this though: things have a way of working out in the end. You’ve had a long day. Why don’t you take Emma home and get some rest.”

  She pulled away and stood back. It felt too good, too right, to be in his arms. Dangerous to think and feel these things. He was engaged to another woman. No matter who the woman, or her deceit, Marti wouldn’t put herself in jeopardy of falling for a man she couldn’t have. A man who’d bound himself to another woman by, possibly, a child and a promise.

  If she was honest, she was already falling for him, and it broke her heart to see him hurting.

  “I’ll see you both tomorrow. Meet me at the harbor at eight.”

  “We’ll pick you up.”

  “It wouldn’t exactly be on your way. I’ll get there just fine. How many people are coming? I know you’re bringing Emma and Shelly, but you mentioned some friends.”

  “Jack and Sam, maybe a few more.”

  “No problem. We’ll have a great time. I don’t know many people in the city, since I’ve been gone for a while. I was pretty isolated before, taking care of my grandmother. It’ll be nice to meet some new people.”

  He looked at her all dressed up, looking like a princess, and couldn’t imagine her isolated or lonely. Her expression said she had been for a long time. He’d see if Elizabeth and Jenna would come along tomorrow. They had the kids, but maybe they could work something out.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He put his hands on her bare shoulders. Big mistake. Her skin felt as soft as he expected and he wanted more, but held back the impulse to let his hands roam over all that creamy skin.

  He towered over her by several inches. The heat from her skin flowed up his hands and arms, straight to his heart. “Thank you for what you did for Emma tonight. It seems every time I see you, I owe you for more and more.”

  “You don’t owe me anything. I got to spend time with Emma. It’s thanks enough for me.”

  He believed her, and it made her all the more special to him. She didn’t need anything in return for her kindness and friendship.

  He cupped her beautiful face and lightly traced her cheek with his thumbs. She stilled in his hands and stopped breathing. He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead.

  Overwhelmed with regret and fighting a need like nothing he’d ever felt, he turned and fled the room to get Emma and take her home. If he didn’t get away from Marti, he’d throw her down and make love to her like he’d been dreaming about doing for days.

  Chapter Seventeen

  * * *

  SHE SAT ON the railing by the docks waiting for Cameron and everyone to arrive. The sun warmed her shoulders and head. The group walked toward her through the parking lot. Cameron carried a life vest for Emma, telling her she couldn’t go on the boat unless she put it on and kept it on. Emma did not want to wear the life vest and protested vehemently.

  Shelly wore white shorts, a pink tank top, and underneath the thin covering a hot-pink string bikini showed through. The bikini barely covered her, nothing but a few strategically placed triangle swatches. Cameron and the other two men were getting an eyeful. Easy enough to see what Cameron saw in the woman. She had a great body. Too bad when she opened her mouth she spoiled all the beauty.

  The two men with Cameron must be Jack and Sam, Marti assumed. Identical twins, right down to the way they walked. One wore a red polo shirt and the other a dark blue T-shirt. Both men wore cutoff jeans and boat shoes. They would do well on the ship. If they hit rough water, Shelly was going to have a hard time on those heels.

  Cameron was dressed much like the other two men. Khaki shorts, a black T-shirt, and boat shoes. Emma had on a sundress and water shoes. She wouldn’t slip on the deck and she was pretty well covered from the bright sun. Cameron carried a large bag, towels poking out the top. It probably held other necessary items for Emma. His daughter’s well-being was his top priority. Marti liked him for it.

  Shelly’s mesh bag held her straw sunhat, several magazines, and a bottle of tanning oil.

  This is going to be fun.

  “You have to wear the life vest.” Exasperation filled Cameron’s voice.

  “You know, we can leave you with the driver.” Shelly snapped out. The way she said it grated on Marti’s nerves.

  They all stopped in front of her, looking eager to leave. To break the tension, Marti went with a joke.

  “Cameron, really, you shouldn’t have. I mean, you said you owed me, but twins? Wow. I know they say men have fantasies about twins. I have to say, I’m warming up to the idea.”

  Both Sam and Jack cracked up with laughter.

  Shelly ruined it. “They’re married, honey, to wealthy women. Hands off.”

  Marti looked directly at Cameron and frowned. “Now that’s just downright mean. You bring me twins and they’re married. To wealthy women no less,” she said sarcastically.

  Cameron smiled. “This is Sam, he’s married to Elizabeth from the restaurant.”

  Cameron indicated the man in the red shirt. She shook his hand.

  “Damn, he’s married to a wealthy woman, and she’s beautiful and can cook. Now how am I supposed to lure him away from her? You’re just mean, Cameron.”

  “I like her,” Sam said with a broad smile. “Elizabeth said you were great. She was right, as usual.”

  “Sure, rub it in. She’s smart too. And she bakes. Who can compete with that?”

  Sam cracked up again.

  Even Cameron laughed. He couldn’t help himself. She sounded downright disgusted he’d brought Sam and she couldn’t have him.

  He recovered enough to introduce his other friend.

  “This is Jack. He’s married to Jenna, my boss. They’re like brothers to me and uncles to Emma.”

  “Let me guess, she’s beautiful in addition to being wealthy. What else is she?”

  “A wonderful mother and can turn the meanest stallion into a puppy dog. She’s also the love of my life.”

  She looked sad. “Well, damn. You didn’t hear that, Sugar Bug.”

  She held out her hand and smiled at Jack. “It’s nice to meet
you both. Now, take off your shirts, and I’ll see if I can tell you apart without them.”

  She smiled and rubbed her hands together mischievously. They were both gorgeously well-built men. She’d like nothing better than to see them half naked, but most of all she couldn’t help but continue with the joke and seeing Cameron smile.

  “Elizabeth was right, you really screwed up, Cam. Do you think Elizabeth would kill me for keeping her?” Sam put his arm around Marti and squeezed. He also took note of the killer look he got from Cameron.

  “I guarantee it,” Cameron said. Elizabeth was right. He had screwed up, and now he was paying for it, painfully. Jack and Sam would make sure he knew it too.

  Sam began the fun and games at his expense. “Maybe we should introduce her to my partner, Tyler. I think they’d hit it off. What do you think, Cam?”

  “I think you should mind your own business,” Cameron said irritably. He didn’t want to see Marti with Tyler, or any other man. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked at Marti’s smiling face.

  Marti figured she’d change the subject.

  “Shelly, we were never introduced. I’m Marti. It’s nice to meet you.” She shook Shelly’s hand and hoped the show of goodwill loosened her up.

  It didn’t. Shelly shot daggers from her eyes at Marti.

  “Well, Sugar Bug, looks like everyone is paired up. You’re all mine, I guess.”

  Shelly leaned in and whispered, “Don’t forget it, honey.”

  So much for goodwill. She scooped up Emma and gave her a hug. As usual, the girl held her tight like she didn’t want to let go.

  Marti put Emma down and looked at her very seriously. “Ready to go?”

  “Oh, yes. Where’s the boat?”

  Marti turned and pointed way out in the harbor where her anchored ship bobbed on the waves. Too big to tie at the dock, she left her black zodiac tied up a few feet away. They’d take it to the ship.