“We resume marital relations when I’m ready. You can’t expect me to simply fall back into your arms.”
“You surprise me. The bedroom was the one place we communicated perfectly.”
“That’s because I loved you.”
“I see. The inference is that you now don’t. It always amazes me how women confuse sex and love. They try to tie one up with the other.”
“Perhaps because one is more satisfying with the other.”
“The will decrees I have a son. I can’t wait for too long.”
“We have a few years yet. Why this urgency to procreate?”
He wouldn’t look her in the eye. “My grandfather and father’s eldest children were sons, but that doesn’t mean our first or even second child will be a son. Once I know what I want, I let nothing stand in my way of achieving it.”
“I’m not nothing.”
“True.” He looked her over from head to toe. “I won’t wait for long, but I can give you some time.”
Relief passed through her. “Then I agree to your proposition.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Thank you. It’s settled then.” He stood up. “I’ve already canceled your flight back to England.”
God, he was arrogant. Abby wondered if she’d made a pact with the devil. She couldn’t get her head—her heart—around the fact that she had been as intimate with him as any two people could be. The thought of sharing his bed again made her feel like a terrified yet eager virgin. Four years was a long time. She felt exactly as she had the day she’d met him.Flustered, overcome by her reaction to his virility and good looks. The thought of a loveless marriage for the rest of her life made her blood run cold.
This situation was born from her own stupidity. She should have looked more closely at the man she was marrying. But foolishly she hadn’t been drawn by only the man himself. She’d been seduced by his family, a large, loving family. An extended family like she’d never been a part of but had longed for all her life. Now here they were, back at square one. This time she was determined it would be different.
Desire unfurled deep in her belly. She recognized the signs. Her body wanted to share his bed. He’d taught her everything there was about making love. She couldn’t help but glance at the bed. She silently scolded herself.
Dante saw what held her gaze and his mouth flickered in something not quite a smile. “Memories? Not bad memories, surely. Come, Abby. It’s not as if you are a nineteen-year-old virgin. You know how good sharing my bed will be.”
That’s what she must now count on if she was to have any chance of winning his heart.
“Say yes and we can start tonight.” His voice was low, pleasant, and smooth, yet devoid of any true expression. “I’ll ease your frustration.”
She took a long, hard look at him. He still made her breath catch in her throat and her heart thump painfully in her chest. He was the most earth-shatteringly handsome man she’d ever seen. The high, slanting cheekbones, the arrogant crook of his nose above sculpted, sensual lips, made heat seep under her skin.
“What happens if you find someone else?” she asked. “I won’t stand for infidelity in my marriage.”
“From what I remember, you were more than enough for me. There will be no need for other women.”
An image of him raised above her, lowering his head to… She wished she could cross her legs to subdue the thrumming pulsation there. On this they both agreed. The sex had been astonishing. Electric. Unforgettable.
“Remember, Abby. This is a business arrangement. Don’t expect more or you’ll be disappointed again.”
“I’m not that stupid. I know who you are now.”
“Good.” He held out his hand. “Come, I’ll take you home and we can arrange for your grandmother’s operation.”
She let her fingers be swamped in his large, powerful hand. At the mention of her grandmother, all her doubts fled. She’d done the right thing. Her grandmother would be taken care of.
Chapter 5
Abby’s stomach churned as they arrived at the villa. Her nerves flared at the prospect of seeing his family after so long. What would she tell them? What would Katarina and his sisters say about her return?
“Come, I’ll take your suitcase to your room. Do you remember the way?”
She nodded.
