Chapter Eleven #2
She’d had a long, hard think about her situation and what she wanted. She loved her career but what she needed was Conall. The man who’d tried to support her even while she’d pushed him away.
So he didn’t love her. But he cared and had refused to let her walk away from their marriage.
Unlike her father, Conall was a protector.
Surely it was possible caring might turn into more, if she were brave enough to put doubt and hurt aside.
If she were brave enough to be more open with him.
Greer wanted children and he hadn’t but perhaps with time, that would change.
With time. Her mouth twisted.
All her life she’d worked hard, not taking risks but striving steadily to achieve her goals.
Maybe it was time to take a gamble on the man she loved.
Instead of pushing Conall away, she could fight for the future.
He’d stood by her since the miscarriage despite her doubts.
Surely there was something worth fighting for there?
The idea terrified her because it meant risking her emotions all over again.
Not giving herself time to think further, she grabbed her purse and opened the door into the suite’s opulent sitting room.
Conall stood, hands in his trouser pockets, looking at the glittering view of Singapore laid out before him.
He looked predictably mouthwatering in a tailor-made tuxedo and bow tie. His arrogant jaw was freshly shaved and she imagined how it would feel under her hands if she reached up and kissed him.
How it would feel tomorrow morning with a prickle of overnight growth that would abrade her sensitive skin if they—
Conall swung around and her fingers tightened on her silk purse, her breath sighing from her lungs.
‘You look stunning.’ His husky-edged voice made her think of whisky by an open fire. The timbre peppered her skin with goosebumps and warmed her to the core.
‘Thank you. I believe red’s seen as an auspicious colour so it seemed appropriate.’
She met his arrested stare and adrenaline spiked, making her pulse thrum. He didn’t try to conceal the avid glaze of hunger in his eyes. Conall looked anything but immune and a great tide of relief filled her.
The way he watched her made her nipples tighten against the lace of her low-cut bra and the place between her legs soften. Because she was anything but immune to him.
‘You’re sure you’re up to this?’ He sauntered across the sitting room of their luxury suite, his brow furrowed. ‘I want you at the meetings but this is going to be a big event. If you feel it’s too much I’ll understand.’
He stopped before her and she longed to reach for him. Not just because of the physical attraction humming between them. But because she loved him. That had scared her into hiding away with her grief which, she knew now, had done no good at all.
‘I’m actually looking forward to tonight. I’m stronger than I look.’
It was only partly a lie. She was daunted by the prospect of attending one of Mr Lee’s parties, famed the world over for their extravagance and the net worth of his rich, sometimes titled guests. But Greer didn’t care about them, only Conall.
Slowly he shook his head, reaching for her hand.
Was that a flare of shock in his eyes when she didn’t pull back? Guilt swirled at how far she’d withdrawn from him. But not anymore. She moved her fingers, feeling the steady pulse at his wrist.
‘I’ve absolutely no doubt about that.’ That deep voice curled around her, the most enticing caress. ‘Greer—’
‘Conall, I—’
A lopsided smile curled his mouth, and a long, enticing dimple grooved his cheek. ‘You first.’
She bit her bottom lip and his eyes narrowed on her mouth, making her breath stutter, but she pressed on. ‘There’s no time now, but later, maybe tomorrow, I’d like to talk. About the baby.’
His tightening hand and the light in his eyes signalled pleasure. ‘Whenever you’re ready.’
The way he looked at her made her feel strong. Special. Maybe she could be that woman again, strong and confident. She felt that way tonight.
‘What were you going to say?’
‘Just that I had something you might like to wear to the party.’
He looked down, his expression turning sombre. She followed his gaze to their linked hands, his thumb rubbing her empty ring finger.
A sharp ache started up behind her ribs. Regret? This afternoon she’d thought again about those beautiful rings he’d given her, imagined slipping them on, a sign that she believed their marriage had a future.
She’d had an epiphany today, yet that didn’t mean she’d been wrong about their convenient marriage.
But you need to give it and the pair of you a chance.
‘Something to wear? That’s intriguing.’
The smile dancing in his eyes chased the shadows from his face. ‘Says the woman who complains my gifts are too lavish.’
He released her hand and pulled a small leather box from his jacket pocket.
Greer swallowed. Conall’s gifts were lavish, especially to a woman from a humble background. That engagement ring had stolen her voice. As had the surprise trip by private plane last winter to one of New Zealand’s most exclusive private ski resorts.
She loved his gifts. But they reminded her how different their lives were. They didn’t just come from different sides of the track but from beyond a social and financial chasm that felt almost uncrossable.
Tonight, for instance, he’d be completely at home in a gathering of some of the world’s richest people. All she knew about that milieu was what she’d gleaned from her work, liaising with their staff.
Her thoughts atrophied as he opened the box. He’d bought her hair clips, she decided after a stunned moment gawping. They were identical, each with a row of stars that winked and shimmered with the blue-white fire of diamonds. The design was delicate and utterly beautiful.
‘Antique?’ she murmured when she found her voice.
‘Yes. They were made for a princess.’
‘You bought them in Singapore?’ When had he found the time? Until this afternoon their schedule had been full of meetings.
‘No, I bid on them at an auction. They were delivered when I returned from my last trip.’
His last trip. The day she’d miscarried. Her head jerked up. Conall met her stare and this time she saw the emotion in his features. Emotion he didn’t try to hide. Regret. Concern.
Maybe he thinks you’re going to reject his gift, the way you’ve rejected him.
Greer swallowed hard, emotions brimming. She hadn’t treated him well. She vowed to make it up to him.
‘Thank you, Conall. They’re beautiful. Utterly extravagant but stunningly beautiful.’
Heat blazed in those dark eyes. The way he looked at her made her heart sing. ‘No more beautiful than you.’
Her mouth trembled. She felt momentarily overcome by the hope rising in her. Maybe, just maybe, he felt more than physical attraction and obligation. Or would one day. Swiftly she looked down, her hand hovering over the box. ‘May I?’
He pressed it into her hand. ‘They’re yours.’
Conall put his hand to the small of Greer’s back as they walked towards the towering bronze front doors of Lee’s palatial home. Surrounded by manicured tropical gardens and beautifully lit, it was a lavish oasis in the teeming city.
Greer looked stunning, and she was his. He’d do whatever it took to ensure it.
That red dress clung to her body and he felt almost jealous. He wanted to feel her nakedness against his own. To sweep his hands over her and hold her tight.
But it was more than the dress. It was Greer. The way she moved, the way she held herself. The woman she was.
Her expression as she’d accepted his gift made hope soar that finally he was making progress, pushing past her barriers. And she wanted them to talk tomorrow!
Elation punched his ribs.
Under the lights of the enormous port cochere, the diamond clip holding back her hair on one side glittered. It drew attention to her profile, the perfect arch of her eyebrow, the angle of her cheekbone and the soft promise of her lips.
She lifted her hand to smooth her hair then let it drop. Her bare left hand.
That punctured his elation. She still wasn’t wearing his rings. It felt like one step forward and three steps back with Greer lately.
Maybe it would have been easier if they’d announced their wedding to the world straightaway, instead of keeping it to themselves. Why she should act now as if their marriage wasn’t real after all they’d gone through, he didn’t know. But he’d had enough of that pretence.
‘Welcome to our home!’
Lee and his wife stood in the door, personally receiving their guests, a warm gesture that he saw made Greer less nervous. From behind them came the buzz of voices and music. Conall smiled, returning greetings as he drew Greer forward.
‘I’d like you to meet Greer, my—’
‘But of course, I know the estimable Ms Munro.’ Their host shook her hand, smiling. ‘My own assistant regards you highly, and we spoke recently.’
Before Greer could respond, Conall continued. ‘My assistant, yes, but also my wife.’
With his hand at her back he felt Greer stiffen. He watched her exhale slowly, maintaining her smile.
Maybe he should have warned her. But then why? They were married. They both knew it could only be a temporary secret. They just hadn’t been out together with people who mattered to them.
Initially he’d been overly cautious, not wanting to make Greer a target for the paparazzi, knowing how unrelenting press interest would be.
And as for his family… He’d feared she’d be overwhelmed, maybe even regret agreeing to marry.
After all, she’d hesitated long enough to make him fear she’d reject his proposal.
It was natural that he’d inform the Lees.
Plus it ensured the men here tonight understood she was unavailable. She brought out a possessiveness in him he’d never before experienced.
Perhaps it was time to remind Greer too that they were together for the long-term. Lately he felt she doubted it.
The Lees were effusive with their congratulations, especially on discovering they hadn’t been long married.
‘But you wear no ring,’ Mrs Lee exclaimed, puzzled. She was an attractive older woman, elegant and with an obvious fondness for jewellery.
There was a beat of silence before Greer spoke. ‘The fact is I’m not used to wearing them, especially the enormous engagement ring Conall gave me. I packed in a hurry. It turned out I’d left them in Sydney.’
At the other woman’s gasp, she hurried on. ‘They’re safe where they are but I am wearing another gift of Conall’s. He gave it to me tonight.’ She turned her head, gesturing to the glittering stars in her dark hair.
The other woman exclaimed in delight, drawing Greer into the vestibule, talking animatedly.
Conall made to follow but his hostess shook her head. ‘No, no. You men want to discuss options and deadlines. Let me introduce your wife to some of my friends.’ She beamed at Greer. ‘A bride, and so beautiful and clever too, if she’s able to manage your office.’
At Conall’s surprised look the woman laughed. ‘I don’t mean you’re disorganised, only that you have a formidable reputation. Your wife must be very talented to keep everything under control for you.’
‘She is.’ For some reason his voice acquired a rough edge. ‘I couldn’t do what I do without her. She’s very special.’
Greer turned, eyes locking on his, and he felt like he’d dived into an indigo sea. Warmth bathed him and he felt buoyant. How did she do that? His blood effervesced and his pulse quickened. He needed her.
Why had he brought her here instead of giving his excuses? They could have spent the evening at the hotel.
‘Ah, newlyweds,’ their hostess purred. ‘It does me good to see the way you look at each other. Don’t worry, I’ll bring your bride back soon.’ Then she ushered Greer past the vestibule’s enormous fountain and fishpond and into the vast gold-accented room beyond.
Lee chuckled. ‘You must forgive my wife’s enthusiasm, but she really will look after your lovely bride. Now.’ He held his arm out. ‘There are people I want you to meet before our sessions tomorrow.’
Conall bit back a refusal. What had got into him?
They were in Singapore to finalise this deal.
Yet his mind was on Greer. He watched her move through the throng in the next room.
Heads turned to watch her and he had to remind himself she was the most capable woman he knew, in the company of their hostess. She’d be fine.
‘Of course. It will be a pleasure.’
Through the next hour or so, Conall kept an eye on Greer from a distance.
Any sign that she was distressed or lonely and he’d be there.
But she seemed to be enjoying herself, smiling and talking with every appearance of enjoyment.
Their hostess led her from group to group, all women, and his tension eased at her happiness.
Conall felt a weight lift. She was beginning to feel better. He’d been worried for her.
Instinctively he turned to look for Greer but there was no sign of her.
Excusing himself from a group discussing the Singapore market, he made his way through the crowd filling room after room.
There were several red dresses but no Greer.
Frowning, he made for the terrace. He couldn’t see her and his pulse quickened.
From this vantage point he saw winding paths, lit by ornate golden lanterns shaped like dragons.
He heard laughter in the darkness nearby.
He was following the sound when a flash of red caught his eye mere metres away.
Greer and… Conall halted in mid-stride, eyes rounding at the sight of a familiar figure.
Shock hit like a blow to the solar plexus. Then his eyes narrowed and he stalked towards the pair.