Tears flooded Francesca’s eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “You have no idea how badly I feel.”
“Give it time,” Tina shot back. “You’re going to feel a lot worse before he’s done with you. The only reason he’s romancing you is to facilitate his takeover of TH. You realize that, don’t you?”
Francesca couldn’t bring herself to respond to the question. How could she when every word Tina spoke was the truth? Her fingers dug into Sev’s arm as she struggled to keep from bursting into tears. She needed to get away. Now. “Excuse me, won’t you?”
Spinning free of Sev’s embrace, she pushed her way through the crowd of people. She needed air, needed time to regroup. She adored Tina and Kurt, had wanted to spend the bulk of her career working for them. At least, that had been her dream. But Sev changed all that, turning her life upsidedown.
She gazed down at the engagement ring gracing her finger. And now he’d tried to restore her relationship with the Fontaines. To put himself in the line of fire, instead of her. What he didn’t realize was how difficult she found wearing this ring. To her an engagement ring symbolized a soul-deep love. Apromise that she’d have someone at her side who cherished her and would be her lifelong partner. This gorgeous, incredible, breathtaking ring was nothing more than a sham. It wasn’treal.
And more than ever, it left her feeling like an outsider.
Chapter Eight
Sev stoodthere, annoyed to discover himself acting the part of the stereotypical hapless male as Francesca disappeared into the crowd in one direction, and an infuriated Tina stormed off in the opposite. Sev stopped Kurt before he could charge after his wife. For Francesca’s sake, he had to find a way to make this right.
“Francesca didn’t have any choice,” Sev stated. “You realize that, don’t you?”
Kurt swung around with a snarl, shaking free of Sev’s hold. “I realize you forced her to quit a promising job with us and go to work for you.”
Sev fought for patience. “It wouldn’t have worked, Kurt. It would have put her in an impossible position. Because of our relationship, she’d have been trapped between you and Tina, and the Dantes. She’d have had to watch every word she said, both at work and at home for fear of betraying one side or the other.”
Kurt’s anger hadn’t diminished, but he still stood there, which counted for something. “So, you made her choose between us?”
“Yes. She doesn’t deserve your anger. The only thing she’s guilty of is falling in love. Her decision hurt you. Trust me when I say that same decision hurt her every bit as much. She adores you and Tina. You’ve been her mentors. Her friends. Her family. She owes you everything, and don’t think she isn’t aware of that fact.”
Kurt’s expression softened ever so slightly, right up until he looked at Sev. “And you?” he asked harshly. “Is Tina right? Is this your clever way of getting your hands on TH?”
“I don’t need Francesca to do that. TH will be mine whether she’s working for you, or for me.”
“Not if I can help it.”
“Kurt...” Sev grimaced. “Talk to Tina. The two of you are important to Francesca.”
“Important enough to get you to back off?”
Sev couldn’t prevent a smile. If circumstances had been different he might have formed a friendship with Kurt. He’d prefer that over their current contentious relationship. “Good try, Fontaine, but it isn’t going to happen. Why don’t you and Tina make it easy onyourselves and sell out? I’ll give you an excellent price.”
“Not interested.”
Sev shrugged. “I didn’t think so, but it was worth a try.” He hesitated. “Will you talk to Tina?”
Kurt released his breath in a rough sigh. “Yeah, I’ll talk to her. Idon’t expect it’ll change anything. But I will encourage her not to take her anger out on Francesca.”
“I’m the one at fault. Tell her to keep me in the crosshairs where I belong, and we’ll all do just fine.”
With an abrupt nod, Kurt turned and walked away. Sev had no idea whether his plan stood a chance in hell of success. For Francesca’s sake, he had to try. She deserved an opportunity to get to know her father, but because he’d been so focused on Dantes and his plans for the business, he’d stolen that opportunity from her. No. Not just stolen. He’d effectively annihilated any chance of it ever happening. If he could restore that much, maybe, just maybe, he could live with the guilt he felt over therest.
Sev went after Francesca, not in the least surprised to find she’d retreated to the balcony off the ballroom. It was where they’d first met and he struggled not to read anything into herchoice. She stood by the railing, her back to him. He could tell she sensed him the instant he appeared in the doorway, her awareness betrayed by the mantle of stillness that settled overher.
He approached. “I’m sorry to spring that engagement ring on you, sweetheart.”
“Have you lost your mind?” She threw the question over her shoulder without turning. “What in the world were you thinking?”
“That I was Nicolò, Iguess.”
That did prompt her to swing around. “This was Nicolò’s idea?”
“Hell, no. Iget all the credit for this one.” Sev scrubbed his hand across his jaw. “Or should I say blame? Ijust meant, it’s the sort of crazy scheme he’d have come up with.”
