Page 87 of To Tango, with Desire

Love of his life? It was as if Kiki had stabbed me with a thousand sewing needles. I felt the blood drain from my head, and it took considerable effort to listen to what she was saying.

“I’ve known Zane a very long time. If you want my advice in this marriage, you need to let him be. He’s an exacting man, one who likes being in control. You have to understand that and give him the space he needs. Don’t force him to do things he doesn’t want to do. A man in charge . . . there’s something thrilling about that, no?”

I hated being left in the dark. Worse, I hated being laughed at.

“No man controls me, Kiki. Not even my husband.”

Kiki’s annoying laugh rang through the shop. “There’s that backbone again. A woman needs to have one of those, especially when she’s married to a man such as Zane. Used to getting his own way and all that.”

“Yes.” I stood. “Well, all done. I’ll have it taken up in a moment if you can wait.”

“I’ve all the time in the world.”

I made fast work of it. Normally, I wouldn’t take walk-in alterations like this in front of the backlog of orders I had, but if it meant getting rid of Kiki, then I was only happy to do it.

I folded the dress, placing it in tissue paper and in a new bag.

“There you are.”

“How much do I—”

“I’ll send you the invoice.”

“Can’t I settle it now?”

“Card machine isn’t working.”

“I have cash.”

She pulled out a wad from her purse. I didn’t know why the sight of it made me furious. I felt like I was surrounded by wealth but none of it meant anything. None of it was real or true.

I was angry and upset that Zane had the nerve to keep something like this a secret. His unwillingness to open up meant I’d ended up looking like a fool. Not once had he ever mentioned that he’d been engaged. That this woman would have been his wife. Knowing Zane, he wouldn’t have asked just anyone to marry him.

He’d loved this woman so much that he’d been willing to share the rest of his life with her.

Was his ex still in his life? Did he still have feelings for her? Is that why he couldn’t love me?

My head swam as I accepted Kiki’s payment.

As soon as she left, I raced upstairs to grab my phone, and without stopping to think, I dialed Zane’s secretary. Within minutes I had Kade’s number.

Kade and Zane used to be like brothers. I could only hope that he’d be able to shed some light on all of this. I wanted answers. And this time, I wouldn’t stop until I had them.

TWENTY-FOUR

AMIRA

“Thanks for stopping by.” I stepped back, hugging my cardigan close to my chest.

“Anytime.” Kade slipped off his jacket, handing it to me.

I’d been nervous on the drive home, unable to focus on anything but Zane’s ex.

“Want anything to drink?”

“No, thanks, I’m heading out to meet someone after this.”

“A date?” I smiled, leading him to the newly furnished lounge.