by Maya Banks
Even as the sharp protest left her lips, she realized how stupid she sounded. That’s precisely what he had done so far. Taken over. What else explained the reason for this marriage he proposed?
She bit her lip and looked away, her hand automatically moving to her belly in a soothing motion.
Piers began taking food out of the bags as if she’d said nothing at all. The smells wafted through her nostrils, and her stomach growled. Heavenly.
She raised an eyebrow. She wouldn’t have thought he’d give much thought to what she could or couldn’t have.
“Thank you, I’m starving.”
He prepared a plate and handed it to her along with utensils. Then he fixed a plate for himself and settled on the edge of the bed.
“I can get back into the bed so you have a place to sit,” she offered.
He shook his head. “You look comfortable. I’m fine.”
They ate in silence, though she knew he watched her. She refused to acknowledge his perusal, though, and concentrated on the delicious food instead.
When she couldn’t eat another bite, she sighed and put down her fork.
“That was wonderful, thank you.”
He took the plate and set it on the counter along the wall. “Would you like to get back into bed now?”
She shook her head. “I’ve had enough bed to last a lifetime.”
“But shouldn’t you be in bed with your feet up?” he persisted.
“I’m doing well. The doctor wants me on moderated bed rest until my surgery. That means I can get up and move around. He just doesn’t want me on my feet for long periods of time.”
“And this job you had, you were on your feet all the time?” he asked with a frown.
“I was waitressing. It was necessary.”
“You should have phoned me the minute you knew you were pregnant,” he said fiercely.
Her expression turned murderous. “You had me fired. You told me quite plainly that you wanted nothing further to do with me. Why on earth would I be calling you? I wouldn’t have called you now if I hadn’t needed you so badly.”
“Then I suppose I’ll have to be grateful you needed me.”
“I don’t need you,” she amended. “Our daughter does.”
“You need me, Jewel. I have a lot to make up for, and I plan to do just that. We can talk about your firing when you aren’t in the hospital and you’re feeling better.”
“About that,” she began.
He raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”
“The doctor is releasing me in the morning.”
“Yes, I know. I spoke to him before I came back to your room.”
Her fingers curled into tight fists, but she kept the frustration from her expression. Or at least she tried.
“I don’t need you hovering over me at every moment. You can drop me off at my apartment—”
Before she got any further he shook his head resolutely, his expression implacable.
“I’ve arranged for the rental of a house until your surgery. I’ll take you there of course. I’ve hired a nurse to see to your needs—”
It was her turn to break in, her head shaking so stiffly that her neck hurt.
“No. Absolutely not. I won’t have some nurse hired to babysit me. It’s ridiculous. I’m not an invalid. I have to stay off my feet. Fine, I can do that without a nurse.”
“Why must you be so difficult?” he asked mildly. “I’m only doing what is best for your health.”
“If you want to hire someone, hire a cook,” she muttered. “I’m terrible at it.”
Amusement curved his hard mouth into a smile. It was amazing what a difference it made in his face. He looked almost boyish. She stared at him in astonishment.
“A cook can be arranged. I, of course, wish to see that my daughter and her mother are well fed. Does this mean you aren’t going to fight moving in with me?”
She made a sound of protest, but it quickly died. She’d walked right into that one. With a long suffering sigh, she uttered a simple, “No.”
“See, that wasn’t so hard, now was it?”
“You can quit the gloating. It’s not very attractive on you.”
His grin broadened. The amazing thing was, it made him look quite charming. Dangerous, Jewel. He’s dangerous. Don’t fall for that charm.
“I’m going to take you home with me, Jewel,” he said patiently. “There’s little point in arguing. All the arrangements have been made. Tomorrow I hope to see to the wedding arrangements. Understandably, concerns for your health came before our marriage, but once I have you settled in, I’ll see to the necessary plans.”
The beginnings of a headache thrummed at her temples. Was this what her life was going to be like? Him calling all the shots and her meekly following along? Not if she could help it. Right now, she was tired, worried and more than a little stressed, and as weak as it made her feel to hand everything over to him, it also felt good to relinquish her problems. Even if it was just for a little while.
“Does your head hurt you?” he asked.
She drew her hand away, unaware until now that she’d been rubbing her forehead. “Stress,” she said in a shaky voice. “It’s been a long couple of weeks. I’m tired.”
What an idiot she was, outlining her weaknesses in stark detail. As if he hadn’t already honed in on her disadvantages.
To her surprise, he didn’t make any sharp or sarcastic remarks. He took her hands gently in his, and lowered them to her lap. Then he carefully helped her up.
Too stunned to do more than gape at him, she cooperated without complaint. He stepped behind her and sank down onto the seat, pulling her down onto his lap.
She landed with a jolt of awareness that five long months hadn’t diminished in the least. There was still potent chemistry between them, much to her dismay.
His warmth wrapped around her, soothing her despite her rioting emotions. She was almost in complete panic when his fingers dug into her hair and began massaging her scalp.
A soft moan of surrender escaped her. Bliss. Sheer, unadulterated bliss. His strong fingers worked to her forehead and then her temples.
Bonelessly she melted further into his chest. He stiffened slightly and then relaxed as he continued his ministrations. For several long minutes, neither spoke, and only the sound of her soft breathing could be heard.
“Better?” he asked softly.
She nodded, unable to form coherent words. She was floating on a cloud of sheer delight.
“You are worrying yourself too much, yineka mou. The stress is not good for you or the baby. Everything will be all right. You have my word on it.”
The statement was intended to comfort her, and she did appreciate his effort. But for some reason, his vow sounded ominous to her ears. Almost like this was a turning point in her life where nothing would ever be the same. Like she was giving up control, not just for the short term.
Of course things are changing irrevocably, you idiot. You’re pregnant and getting married. How much more change could you possibly make?
Still, she tried to draw some comfort in the serious promise in his voice. He didn’t trust her. She didn’t think he even particularly liked her, but he desired her, that much was obvious. And she desired him. It wasn’t enough. Not even close, but it was all they had.
Not exactly a prime start to a marriage.
Chapter Seven
Jewel tilted her head so she could see out the window as Piers pulled through the gates of a sprawling estate covered in lush green landscaping and well manicured shrubbery. The house came into view when they topped the hill, and her eyes widened in appreciation. Despite the size of the grounds, the house was what she’d deem modest in comparison.
Still it was gorgeous. Two stories with dormers and ivy clinging to the front. He’d said he rented the place. Who knew such places were for rent?
He parked in front of the garage that was adjacent to the main house. Behind them, the car carrying her newly assigned se
curity detail pulled in. Before she could get out, one of the guards appeared and opened her door. He hovered protectively, shielding her…from what? Only when Piers reached for her hand, did the guard step away.
“I’m not helpless, you know,” she said dryly when he tucked her against his side. But she would have been lying if she denied that having his help thrilled her in an inexplicable way. His body was warm and solid against hers. Strong. The idea that she wasn’t alone nearly brought her to her knees.
“I know this,” he said in his brusque accent. “But you’ve only just gotten out of the hospital, and you’re carrying a child. If at any time you need help, it is certainly now.”
She relaxed against him, refusing to spoil their first moments home with senseless, petty arguments.
Home. The word struck her in the chest, and even as she thought it, she shook her head in mute denial. She had no home.
“Is there something wrong?” he asked as they stopped at the door.
Embarrassed over her emotional display, she uttered a low denial.
He opened the door, and they stepped into the expansive foyer. Beyond was an elegant double staircase curving toward the top where a hallway connected the two sides of the house.
“Come into the living room, and I’ll see to your things.”
She allowed him to lead her to a comfortable leather couch that afforded a view of the patio through triple French doors. It would be a perfect breakfast spot, she thought with longing. The morning sun would shine perfectly on the garden table.
What would it be like to have a home like this? Filled with laughter and children. And then it occurred to her that it was entirely possible that part of that dream would come true.
She looked down at the gentle mound covered by her thin shirt and slowly smoothed her hand over it. The baby kicked, and Jewel smiled.
She wanted to give her daughter all the things she’d never had, the things she longed for. Love, acceptance. A stable home.
Would Piers provide those things? Everything but love. Could Jewel love her baby enough to compensate for a father who didn’t want her or her mother?
Damn if she hadn’t done what she’d sworn never to do.
Piers traipsed inside the living room, hauling her two suitcases with him.
“I’ll take these upstairs, and then I’ll be down to make us some lunch. Is there anything you need in the meantime?”
Unnerved by his consideration, she shook her head. “I’m fine.”
“Good, then I’ll be right back.”
She heard him rattle up the stairs, and she returned her perusal moodily to the outside. No longer content to look from afar, she got up and walked to the glass doors. She pressed her hand to the panes as she gazed over the magnificently rendered gardens.
It was extremely beautiful, but it almost looked sterile, as if no one ever touched it, or even breathed on it for that matter. It seemed…artificial. Not a living, breathing entity. Not like the ocean. It was always alive, rolling, sometimes peaceful and serene and at other times angry and forbidding.
A hand slipped over her shoulder, and she jumped. As she turned, she saw that Piers stood behind her, his expression mild and unthreatening.
“Sorry if I startled you. I called from across the room, but you didn’t hear me obviously.”
She offered a half smile, suddenly nervous in his presence.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is,” she agreed. “I prefer the ocean, though. It’s more…untamed.”
“You find these gardens tame?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“I suppose I can see your point. Would you like to eat now? I had something dropped by before we arrived. It will only take a few minutes to warm everything up.”
She turned sideways to face him. “Could we eat outside? It’s a beautiful day.”
“If you wish. Why don’t you go on outside. I’ll bring out the food in a moment.”
His footsteps retreated across the wooden floors. When he was gone, she slipped out of the French doors and onto the stone patio.
The coolness caused her to shiver, but it was a beautiful day, one of the few where nothing marred the blue sky, and she didn’t want to waste it by returning indoors.
She settled into one of the chairs to wait for Piers. It seemed odd to have this arrogant man waiting on her. He was clearly used to having the tables turned and being served.
The doors opened, and Piers elbowed his way out carrying two trays. He was a man of continuing surprises. He’d shown up at the hospital in time for her release, wearing a pair of faded jeans and a casual polo shirt, a far cry from the expensive designer clothing she knew he usually wore. He looked almost approachable. No less desirable, but definitely less threatening. In a more cynical moment, she wondered if he’d done it on purpose to lull her into a false sense of security.
He set a tray in front of her then placed his own across the table before taking a seat. She picked up her fork but made the mistake of looking over at him before she began to eat. He was staring intently at her, his food untouched.
“We have a lot to talk about, Jewel. After you eat, I plan to have the conversation we should have had a long time ago.”
He sounded ominous, and a prickle of unease swept over her. What was left for them to discuss? He’d demanded she marry him, and she’d agreed. He’d demanded she move in with him, and she’d agreed. Quite frankly her acquiescence was starting to irritate the hell out of her.
They ate in silence, though she knew he watched her. The heat of his stare blazed over her skin, but she refused to acknowledge his perusal. He already had enough power over her.
When she’d finished, she put her fork down, and still refusing to look at him, she turned her gaze back to the gardens.
“Ignoring me won’t help.”
Finally she turned, sure she must look guilty. Now she felt childish for being so obvious, but the man made her nervous.
“We need to clear the air on a few matters. Mainly your firing.”
She stiffened and clenched her fingers into small fists. “I’d just as soon not discuss it. No good can come of it, and I am supposed to keep my stress level down.”
“I never intended to have you fired, Jewel. It was a despicable thing to have happened to you, and I accept full blame.”
“Well who the hell else’s fault would it be?” she demanded.
“It wasn’t what I intended,” he said again.
“Whether you intended it or not, it’s what happened. Mighty coincidental that I got the sack as soon as you found out who I was, wouldn’t you say?”
Piers blew out his breath, and his gaze narrowed. “You aren’t going to make this easy, are you?”
She leaned back, this time giving him the full intensity of her stare. “Why should it be easy for you? It wasn’t easy for me. I had no money left, no job. I came here because it was the only place I had to stay, and waitressing was the only quick job I could land. Then I started getting sick.” She stopped and shook her head. She wasn’t going to get into it with him.
“You’re right. I’m sorry.”
He looked and sounded sincere. Enough so that her next question slipped out before she could think better of it.
“If I wasn’t supposed to be fired, how exactly did I end up sacked and escorted out of the hotel?”
Piers winced and dragged a hand through his hair. “As I said, it’s completely my fault. I told my human resources manager to reassign you, or promote you or even to pay you for the term of your contract but I’m afraid the first words out of my mouth were to get rid of you. The rest, unfortunately, he didn’t hear because the connection was severed. By the time I returned to the hotel and discovered the misunderstanding, you were gone. I had no luck tracing your whereabouts. In fact, I’d given up ever hearing from you again until you called.”
She stared at him in disbelief. First, she couldn’t believe he’d actually admitted his wrongdoing. Se
cond, she couldn’t fathom him looking for her afterward. It sounded suspiciously like he genuinely regretted what had happened.
“I don’t get it,” she said with genuine confusion. “Why couldn’t we have just been adults about it? Why was it so important to you to get rid of me? I realize it wasn’t an ideal situation, but it was an honest mistake. Neither of us knew who the other was or God knows I wouldn’t have gone to bed with you that night.”
“Then I guess it’s a good thing you didn’t know who I was,” he said softly.
She looked down at her belly. “Yes, I don’t regret it now at all.”
“Did you then?”
He didn’t look offended, only genuinely curious. He’d been honest with her so far, so she couldn’t be anything other than completely honest with him.
“No. I didn’t regret our night together.”
He seemed satisfied with her answer. “To answer your question, it wasn’t personal. What I mean is that it’s not as if it was something you did. I have a strict policy about allowing anyone to work closely with me who has had any sort of a personal relationship with me. It’s a necessary rule, unfortunately.”
She raised an eyebrow. “You say that as if you were once burned.”
“In a manner of speaking. My brother’s personal assistant was enamored with him, but she was also selling company secrets and framed my sister-in-law.”
“Sounds like a soap opera,” Jewel muttered.
He chuckled. “It seemed like one at the time.”
“You could have simply told me. You owed me that much given the fact we had spent the night together,” she said, pinning him with the force of her gaze. “If you’d been up front with me, none of this would have happened. There would have been no misunderstanding.”
“You’re right. I’m afraid the shock of finding out who you were made my judgment particularly bad. I’m sorry.”
His quietly spoken apology softened some of her anger. If she was honest, she still held resentment for the easy way he’d summarily dismissed her from his life. Not that she’d expected undying love and commitment, but hadn’t the night meant something? Even enough to rate a personal dismissal instead of the job being handed off to a stooge?
