CHAPTER 1 #2
“Portia, darling, business comes first. Ah, look, here comes the food.”
Our starters were indeed being brought over.
I tried my best not to dwell on the upsetting news of Matt’s upcoming business trip.
Why hadn’t he mentioned it to me before?
As my lobster starter got placed in front me another worrying thought flitted through my mind.
What about Christmas?
How was that going to be addressed?
If he returned in time for the festive holiday, would he want to spend it with me?
Or would he have to spend it with his family, like he did on his birthday?
I doubted I would get an invitation, going off his parents’ behaviour with me, but I was his fiancée now.
Knowing Matt, he would most likely force the issue and cause some family drama.
I didn’t want that.
Oh, why was he going away on opening night?
This was important to me and I wanted him to be there.
“Is the lobster not to your liking?” Matt asked, drawing me from my silent musings.
“It’s lovely.” I murmured.
Looking over at him revealed the concern on his handsome face and I felt churlish for my previous thought.
Matt had responsibilities and I figured my career didn’t factor very high in his mind.
It hurt thinking that way but I had to be a realist.
Never mind I always made myself available whenever he needed me at his side for whatever function he was forced to attend.
Never mind - I stopped that resentful train of thought at once.
“Let me try some then.” he teased, eyeing my plate.
“One bite.” I warned, scooping a morsel of the sweet lobster meat on my fork and carefully manoeuvring it into his waiting mouth.
“Matthew.” Portia said with distaste etched on her face.
“Please remember your manners.”
Matt swallowed then arched an eyebrow at his mother.
“Calm down, Mum. It’s not as if I’m eating food off her naked body, it’s just her fork.”
Matt looked at me out the corner of his eyes, a devious smirk lingered around his mouth.
Shit.
He was thinking about doing it now, probably planning something that involved food, me and a mess.
“ Matt .” I hissed in embarrassment right as his mother’s cheeks flushed bright red and she said tartly, “Matthew!”
His father just shook his head, but I swore he was fighting a knowing grin.
“What?” Matt asked innocently as he resumed eating his starter.
I knew my knight and I knew he was needling his mother on purpose.
Damn, damn, damn .
Were they right?
Was he with me out of some perverse attempt to make a point to his parents?
I would rip his balls out then feed them to him if that was the case.
“So, Madison,” William Jnr began politely.
“How are you dealing with the press? Being with my son has propelled you into the spotlight, put you under media scrutiny-”
“She’s handling it just fine, Dad.” Matt interrupted tightly.
“She can answer for herself.” I chastised Matt with a little shake of my head before looking across the table at his father.
“It’s difficult sometimes, Mr Bradley. The unwanted intrusion into my personal life is not easy to deal with,” I shot Matt a rueful grin.
“But Matt is usually able to make me feel better about the whole situation.”
Matt leaned back in his chair and blinked at me a couple of times before mouthing ‘love you’.
The surprised tenderness on his face was heart-warming as I knew, and he knew, the media problem was driving me mad.
I turned back to his parents and smiled defiantly at them both.
Ha.
Matt loved me.
They could kiss my black ass.
“Yes, well, it will only get worse.” Portia said in warning as she spoke to Matt with a sternness only a mother could bestow on her child.
Or an aunt on her niece.
Auntie Cleo, why hadn’t she called?
I knew she was furious with me but-
“Madison can handle it.” Matt reiterated firmly, breaking me from my thoughts.
I smiled again and chewed my lobster.
Dinner progressed too slowly for my liking.
It was strained and it got to the stage where I could only manage monosyllabic answers to the questions posed to me by Matt’s parents.
Their polite interaction with me in front of Matt was grating on my nerves and I desperately wanted to shout out what hypocrites they were, but I held my tongue.
Matt was also getting frustrated.
I knew this from the small arch of his left eyebrow.
And his frustration was being directed at me, it was obvious I didn’t want to be there.
“Please excuse me,” I said right before we chose dessert.
“I’ll be back shortly.”
All three Bradleys nodded in acknowledgement as I quickly got up and went in search of the washrooms.
Relieving my bladder was not a necessity, I just wanted 5 minutes away from that table and its occupants.
How could they sit there and act so - so - so damned normal?
This was what I despised the most about being with Matt.
The duplicitous nature that seemed the norm with everyone I had encountered was wearing on me.
I should have called them on it in front of Matt!
I should have looked his parents in the eye and demanded an apology for what they’d said.
I should…
just grin and bear it.
God, please show me how to make them like me.
I pulled my cell out my clutch and called Dante.
“What’s up, sweet cheeks?” he said in lieu of hello.
“D, I’m at a stupid dinner with Matt and his parents. They don’t like me.”
“Ok,” Dante said.
“Ok?” I repeated in disbelief.
The hell?
“What do you mean ‘ok’? Aren’t you listening to me? His parents don’t like me. They think I’m just a-”
“Madi,” Dante interrupted.
“You knew what you were getting into when you hooked up with him. Look, the man asked you to marry him. It’s clear he wants to be with you, forget about his parents. Why do you need everyone to adore you? You’ve been that way since we were kids.”
“Wow,” I muttered, glaring at my reflection.
“Some best friend you are.”
Dante chuckled.
“Suck it up, sweet cheeks. Go schmooze with some rich folks.”
“Dante,” I paused, inhaling deeply before continuing.
“Do you think I’m making a mistake?”
“Honestly?” he asked.
“Yes, you always tell it to me straight. Am I making a mistake?”
“I think you might be rushing into this. I mean, come on! You haven’t even reached the 12 months marker in your relationship. You had this massive blow out with your family and two minutes after that you’re engaged? That’s kind of…I just think you’re rushing it.”
“It wasn’t two minutes after.” I groused.
Dante sighed loudly.
“You know what I mean. Look, we’ll talk about this tomorrow, ok? How about I stay over at yours tomorrow and we can talk about this properly?”
“Huh,” I scoffed.
“You just want me to cook you dinner.”
“Damn straight. It’s been ages since you cooked for me,” he replied quickly.
I laughed at his whining then stopped abruptly as the door to the ladies opened and Matt walked in.
What on earth was wrong with my man?
“Uh, I’ll see you in the morning. Gotta go.” I hung up the call and started in on Matt immediately.
“Are you insane? This is the ladies. What if someone catches you in here?”
Matt shrugged and folded his arms, eyes quickly scanning the open stalls to confirm we were alone.
“Talk.”
“About what?” I asked, hurrying over to him.
Crazy ass gazillionaire.
“Why are you acting so standoffish with my parents?”
My eyes widened with disbelief.
He was calling me standoffish?
Of all the things under the sun to say.
“They don’t like me, Matt.”
“Don’t say that, poppet. They’re trying to get to know you and you’re not being receptive to their attempts. You’ve barely spoken to them.”
My eyes widened further.
“That’s because,” I stopped, biting my lower lip before I blurted out what had transpired prior to his arrival at the restaurant.
But it was too late and his grey eyes narrowed.
Matt scrutinized my face for a long moment while I glanced nervously at the door.
What if someone walked in?
Would we get into trouble with the management?
Would we be asked to leave the premises at once?
“Because what?” Matt asked in a low tone.
It was his ‘you’d better spill or there’ll be hell to pay’ voice.
“I’m just nervous.” I brushed it away.
“I’ll try harder. I promise.”
Sacrifice.
That was what you did in a relationship.
You sacrificed whatever was needed to ensure your partner was happy.
Right?
But would you end up sacrificing so much that there was nothing of you left to give?
Had I already sacrificed too much?
Matt unfolded his arms, one hand rising up to rub his chin slowly as he kept those pretty eyes of his on my face.
“What did they say to you?”
“Pardon?” I feigned confusion.
I was definitely going to sign up for some acting classes.
As soon as things quietened down at the studio I was getting some classes.
“You’re not usually this quiet, poppet, even less so when you’re nervous. You babble when you’re nervous.”
“I do not.” I retorted.
“That’s a slanderous thing to say. I converse clearly and-” I stopped at the eloquent look on his face.
I was babbling right now.
“Tell me.” he commanded.
“What’s wrong?”
My shoulders drooped.
“They don’t like me, Matt, and I doubt there’s anything you or I could say to change how they feel about us being together. Look, I’m not comfortable with you being in here. Someone might come in any second.”
“Did they say something to you?” he asked again.
“No secrets between us. Remember?”
I sighed and slipped my cell back into my clutch.
Then raised my head to gaze into his eyes.
“Your parents are under the impression that I’m a pawn in some elaborate game you’re playing to get them off your back about settling down.” I licked my lips, uncertain about his reaction “Is that true? They said they were pressuring you to get married and you’re using me…I just don’t know what to think anymore.”
Matt’s features were as hard as granite.
He looked angry and this was exactly why I didn’t want to tell him.
“Don’t go out there and start an argument,” I pleaded.
“Please. I don’t want you fighting with your family. That’s the last thing I want. It’s bad enough my family-” I paused, willing the instantaneous rush of pain away.
The words traitor and ungrateful jumped before my eyes and my mind put them into the correct order.
I felt like an ungrateful traitor.
I moved to brush past Matt and he held my arm, his other hand cupped my cheek gently.
I leaned into the feel of his touch against my skin.
“I’m not going to fight with them, but I want you to understand something for once and for all. You walked away from all that you’ve known, from the only family you have left, for me ,” Matt lowered his head to press a soft kiss over my lips then pulled back, his thumb lightly stroked across my cheekbone.
“Do you honestly believe I wouldn’t do the same for you?”
I blinked a few times as he waited for me to respond.
Would he give up his family if forced to choose?
I didn’t know and I really didn’t want to find out.
Matt peered at me.
“Answer me, poppet. Do you think I would do any less than you if placed in the same situation? Do you think our love is worth less to me than it is to you?”
“I don’t know.” I answered truthfully.
“I don’t know, Matt, but we don’t need to find out. I’m not asking you to choose, I would never ask you to do that. I’ll find some way to make them accept me.” I forced a bright smile to my lips.
“You always say no one can resist me. It’s just taking a bit longer than expected.”
“Listen to me closely, young lady,” he said in a deep, stern voice.
“Because I am only going to say this once. There is no choice. You’re mine and that will never change. There is no choice to be made because the decision was out of my hands the moment you stormed back into the pub after that little scene where you told me to eat shit and die, then called me a pompous old racist in public.”
I grinned at the memory.
I had been livid that day.
Matt continued.
“I knew then, well, my heart knew then that you were it for me. You’re all I want, poppet, and it’s tiring having to remind you of this. Trust in me, trust in us.”
“What if they disown you?” I asked quietly.
Matt arched an amused eyebrow at me.
“Ah, so you’re worried about my financial status. Hmm, would you not love me if I was poor?” he teased.
“Shut up.” I mumbled before watching him intently.
“I don’t care about the money, Matt. I just don’t want you to be ostracized from your family.”
“Like you are from yours?” he asked in a pointed manner.
My chest got tight again.
I was still holding out for a miraculous reconciliation.
A week hadn’t passed as yet.
“Yes,” I agreed in a sad voice.
Matt kissed me again, arms encircling my waist as he held me up against the muscular lines of his body.
“Oh poppet, you still have no idea of what you mean to me.”
I didn’t respond, it was my personal bliss being held by him.
I didn’t want to ruin it with words, or my silly doubts about us and our respective families.
Aunt Cleo said he would throw me away when he was done using me.
She was wrong.
Matt’s parents were wrong too.
He was more than my knight, he was my soul mate and Aunt Cleo had always taught us to be grateful for God’s blessings.
Matt was my blessing, he filled the gaping hole of emptiness inside me.
It was corny, but he completed me.
“Do you want to go home?” he asked, rubbing a hand over my lower back.
I nodded against his jacket, inhaling his comforting scent.
He stepped back but maintained a one arm hold around my waist and we exited the washroom.
There was a member of staff right outside the door.
Matt nodded once to the man who scurried away without a backward glance.
“Was he-”
“Keeping guard, yes.” Matt confirmed smoothly.
“I didn’t care for any interruptions.”
“You are the strangest man I’ve ever known.” I said.
“Sweetest.” he countered as he led us out into the dining area.
“You’re not sweet, Matt, you’re,” I paused, trying to find the best word to describe all that he was.
“If you say bossy, I’ll put you over my knee and spank you as soon as we get home.” he warned with a serious glint in his eyes.
Whoa.
That was a bit kinky, but hey, I’d try anything with him.
Once, that is.
Oh wait, except for bum sex.
That was never happening.
And threesomes, orgies, whatever; those weren’t going to happen either.
I was sure I had read something about Matt that implied…
well, it wasn’t going to happen.
I sent him a sidelong glance.
He was so possessive of me, downright jealous of any male attention directed at me.
Nope, I didn’t have to worry about orgies.
“I was going to say unique.” I replied.
Matt gave me a lopsided grin that disappeared as we approached our table.
He regarded his parents coolly before saying, “Madi and I are leaving now.”
William Jnr half rose from his chair.
“Why? Is something the matter, son?”
“Not at all,” Matt said smoothly.
“We can arrange another get together when you two decide you truly want to build a relationship with my fiancée, until then I refuse to subject Madi to your unwarranted disapproval.” He glanced between them.
“The sooner you accept her, the better it will be for everyone.”
“Matthew,” Portia hissed under her breath.
“Don’t speak to us in such a manner.”
I fidgeted next to Matt, my face warming with embarrassment.
He felt my nervous movements and tightened his hold around my waist as he said, “Mum, you know I adore you both, but I need you to understand Madi is going to be my wife and there’s nothing you can do about it. She is not a pawn and I am not playing any games. You are mistaken if you hold that belief.”
Portia’s face reddened before she sent me an accusatory look.
What?
She should know what her son was like.
Matt was a psychic when it came to reading people.
He had used his Vulcan powers to make me spill.
William Jnr cleared his throat.
“Son, let’s just finish our meal-”
“No, Dad,” Matt said resolutely.
“I had hoped your invitation tonight meant you were open to learning about the woman I love, but I can see it was nothing more than a cursory attempt to fool me into believing you were willing to extend an olive branch to us after months of you ignoring Madi. I’m your son, you should be happy for me instead of trying to make her feel uncomfortable.”
They both looked up at us.
Matt sighed under his breath before twisting his head sideways at me.
“Say goodnight to my parents, poppet.”
“Goodnight, Mr and Mrs Bradley.” I did as ordered.
When Matt got this way it was best to just go with his flow.
“Son,” William Jnr called.
“This is ridiculous. Sit down and let’s finish our meal. We can discuss these issues at a more appropriate time and place.”
“Good night, Dad.” Matt said coldly before giving his mother a brief nod of goodbye.
“Mum.”
Then he turned us around and walked us towards the stairs.
I looked back and saw Portia Bradley glaring ice daggers at me.
It was official.
My future mother-in-law hated me.
I had no luck with maternal figures it seemed.
“Aren’t you pleased with me?” Matt asked in a voice still warm with anger.
“There was no argument.”
“Ah, yes, but I hope you have your own money because my earnings can’t keep you in the lifestyle you’re accustomed to and you are going to be disowned for sure.”
Matt chuckled as we went down the stairs.
“They’ll come around. They just need a firm hand.”
I snorted in disbelief then tugged on his arm.
Matt stopped a step below me.
I bent over to slant my lips across his as a reward for having my back with his parents.
“Thank you.” I murmured when I pulled back.
“You won’t be thanking me tomorrow when a picture of us snogging is in the morning papers.”
“What?” I cried out sharply.
Matt took my hand in his.
“Poppet, I need to teach you how to spot the incognito media vultures that circle us. There are two, if not three actually, reporters here tonight. If it’s any consolation, you look absolutely delicious in your dress.”
“It’s not a consolation.” My eyes wandered around restlessly as we came down the remaining steps.
Where were they?
Damned paps.
Everyone milling around looked normal to me.
“Are you sure, Matt? You could be mistaken.”
“I’m not and don’t worry about it. I’ll be speaking to Nathan’s father about using his influence to protect our private lives. Now, are we heading to my place or yours? And you still haven’t given me an answer on when you’re moving in with me. I’m thinking before I fly away on business.”
I ignored Matt and awkwardly tried to keep my head down while scanning for any flashes of light.
If they printed one more picture of me with my ass at an unfavourable angle I was going to sue someone.
Portia Bradley was silently fuming.
She hadn’t spoken one word on the trip from the restaurant to the hotel they were staying at tonight.
Right now she wanted nothing more than to curl up in her own bed and lick her wounds.
Matthew’s continued defence of his supposed girlfriend was mind boggling.
Fiancée , she reminded herself in a spurt of seething anger.
He hadn’t even notified them of his proposal.
She, his own mother, had to find out from her friend who had seen it on the early morning news.
It was embarrassing, but Portia had quickly saved face by assuring her friend she was fully aware of her son’s antics.
“Darling, would you like a drink before bed?” William asked as he sauntered into the bedroom.
“No, thank you.” Portia replied while vigorously brushing her hair.
For a woman in her sixties she knew she still looked good.
Shame her husband didn’t seem to appreciate her worth.
The bastard.
She eyed him from lowered lashes as he started undressing.
The scratches over his back weren’t as fresh today and she wondered who his new bed partner was.
Probably someone as young as Matt’s girlfriend, if not younger.
He still looked good for his age too.
Fiancée, the silent reminder echoed through her fitful thoughts.
She focused on the brush strokes, one after the other.
William was a dutiful husband in all other areas, except their sex life.
She snorted in disgust, at least he was discreet.
“Did you say something, my darling?” he murmured, coming over to stand behind her.
“No.” Portia said as she moved away.
William tried to wrap his arms around her waist but she was having none of it.
“Really William, I’m not in the mood tonight.” she reprimanded harshly.
William sighed and stepped away.
He observed her for a moment before saying, “Darling we need to stop pushing Matthew on this issue. You know how stubborn our boy is-”
“Have you lost the faculties of your mind in your old age?” She fumed, dropping the brush and placing her hands on her hips.
The silk nightgown was light blue, William’s favourite colour on her.
It gave her perverse pleasure to taunt him with her body, a body he could no longer have at will.
This was her way of punishing him, this and spending as much of his money as she chose.
“No, I haven’t,” he replied dryly.
“I know our youngest son, Portia, and if we continue to treat his lady in the manner we have been doing, we’ll only alienate him further. Is that what you want? To push him away as you did with Adam? It wasn’t that long ago we were at odds with him, and I’m telling you now, I will not allow another estrangement between me and one of my sons.”
Portia looked away.
William knew exactly how to hurt her.
Why was he bringing up that old problem?
Adam was back in their good graces now.
It was Matthew who was the problem.
Oh why couldn’t her sons be like their elder sister?
A quick smile curled up her lips.
Hannah was her pride, had married well and given them their beautiful granddaughters.
She, like her brothers, had a brilliant mind.
But like her mother, she had focused on her husband, her children; instead of furthering her career.
That woman Matt was currently involved with didn’t seem the type to sacrifice her own needs for his.
“I’m serious, Portia.” William’s hard voice broke her from her silent thoughts.
“So you expect me to accept her?” she asked incredulously.
“To welcome her into our lives with open arms? You have lost your mind. Our son proposed to her. Do you want me to plan the wedding? Her family can ill-afford the cost of it. Do you want me to invite her-”
“Calm down,” William bit out.
“There’s no need for dramatics. What I’m trying to get you to understand is that continuing to ignore Madison will get us nowhere. Of course, I don’t agree with him marrying her! She’s - she’s not like us,” He ran a frustrated hand over his face.
“But the more we make our opinions of Matthew’s relationship with her known, the more we push him away. Darling,” William came over to her, sweeping a hand through her still thick blonde tresses.
“We must act as if we’re willing to at least attempt to accept her, to do anything else will force Matthew to make a choice - and we both know who he will choose at this point. His actions have been quite clear so far.”
Portia exhaled in anger.
What spell had that woman woven around her son?
What was it about her that drew Matthew, a man so much like his philandering father, to her side?
Why was he infatuated with Madison DuMont?
“I just don’t understand, William.” she said, the agitation thick and heavy in her voice.
“He can have anyone. Why her?”
William swept her hair over one shoulder and a bitter smile graced his face as he asked quietly, “Have you seen the way she looks at him, Portia? Have you truly paid attention to the way she watches our Matthew?”
“With greed, of course.” Portia exploded, pushing William aside as she begun to pace.
“She sees her ticket to an easy life at the expense of our son.”
William shook his head slowly.
“The way she looks at him…It reminds me of the way you once looked at me.”
“What? What do you mean by that?” Portia exclaimed, coming to a dead stop.
“You dare compare me to that - that classless whore!”
“Firstly,” William started in a low tone.
“She’s not a whore and never refer to her as such in Matthew’s presence.”
“How can you say that?” Portia asked in distress.
“I overheard a conversation between Adam and Matthew a few months ago. I had gone into work to check up on things and they were in my office waiting for me. Adam was teasing Matthew, you know how our boys are,” William waved a distracted hand through the air.
“Anyway Matthew said something that led me to believe he was, ahem, that Madison was, well, suffice to say I think Matthew was her first.”
“First what?” Portia asked blankly.
William arched an eyebrow at her and understanding dawned.
“Oh. Oh. No wonder he’s so attached to her. You silly men. That’s neither here, nor there. The fact is she’s not right for our son and I refuse to stand by and do nothing.”
“You will do nothing at this point, Portia. I refuse to risk a fall out with Matthew. You have no understanding of the way a man’s mind works. A man would do just about anything to have a woman look at him the way Madison looks at our son. And do not get me started on his obvious affection for her. No, we will need to go about this carefully. It’s clear they have some form of bond-”
“Yes and we both know what sort of bond that is.” she exploded nastily.
“Darling,” William was once again trying to soothe her ire.
“It will run its course. I know my son and this is a new adventure for him, give it time and he’ll soon come to his senses, he’ll soon see the differences between them are insurmountable.”
“We don’t have time, William. They’re engaged.” Portia resumed pacing.
“All our friends are already gossiping about this whole situation behind our backs.”
“Then they’re not really our friends, are they? What is your main worry? The fact she’s black-”
Portia grimaced before eyeing her husband coldly.
“I am not a racist.”
William raised an eyebrow again.
“Neither am I, but we know certain things are unacceptable.”
Portia shot him a relieved look, the way he had been talking had caused her concern.
It was good to know they were still on the same page.
A shudder went through her.
“What if she, God forbid, what if she gets pregnant? What then, William? And you know women like her have hordes of children. I will not have half-bla…ah, I refuse to have her babies calling me grandma.”
William chuckled and Portia glared at him.
“Matthew is not a fool, Portia, and he has said enough times that having children is the furthest thing from his mind. Don’t worry about that. What we need to do is subtly remind him of his place in this world and the fact Madison DuMont is not a part of it. Ignoring her is not going to work, trust me. This isn’t just a new experience for Matthew, it affects our whole family, we must be careful on how we approach it. Our children have always supported each other and this will be no different. Did you notice how attentive Hannah and Adam were to her at Nathan’s engagement party?”
“Even the twins seem fond of her.” Portia exhaled in anger.
“Exactly, we must apologize to her-”
“I beg your pardon?” Portia’s mouth hung open in shock.
“Hush, darling, and listen to me.” William chastised.
“We apologize to her, we have no choice. Did you not hear Matthew’s words before they left? It’s obvious she relayed to him the conversation we had with her. We apologize, invite her around to the house, we make an effort. That will appease our son.”
“Then what?” Portia asked, voice dripping derision.
“We pretend to play happy families? How is that going to help Matthew see sense?”
“All in due time,” William said with complete confidence.
“It will not be long before Madison herself finds it difficult to adjust to our way of life.”
Portia frowned, then stopped, remembering the minute lines on her face and not wanting to exacerbate them.
“I don’t know, Willie,” she sighed, absentmindedly calling him by the nickname she’d given him all those years ago.
She was the only one he allowed to address him as such.
“Don’t worry, my darling. Come have a small drink with me, the hotel staff lit the fire before we arrived and it’s pleasantly warm in front of it.”
Portia saw the hope in his grey eyes, mingled with traces of desire.
Although she loved him dearly, she would never again let him into her heart.
He had broken the absolute faith she had in him as a young woman.
He had broken her heart, and she would never let him regain a foothold in her emotions.
She controlled how much affection would be given to him.
“I’m tired, darling,” she murmured with a soft smile as she pressed a light kiss to his cheek.
“I think I shall retire for the night.”
William’s eyes became shrouded as they stared silently at each other.
Then he picked back up his shirt and shrugged it on.
“Perhaps I’ll head out for a bit,” he paused as he buttoned up his shirt.
“Your company would be welcomed, darling.”
Portia smiled at his poor attempt of reverse psychology.
She knew why he was heading out, and she knew he didn’t want her company.
“Don’t be silly. I’m all dressed for bed,” She sauntered over to the king sized bed and pulled the covers back as she tossed dryly over her shoulders, “Besides, three is too much company, darling. I doubt your current mistress would appreciate the wife tagging along.”
“Portia,” he began and she turned to face him, expression frigid.
“What, William?” she asked emptily.
When he remained silent she continued to mock him.
“Tell her to be more gentle with you, darling. Those scratches on your back do look painful.”
William gave her a bitter smile.
“Will do. Good night.”
Portia turned quickly before he could see the flash of hurt on her features.
She wished he would leave already.
She’d had enough of the men in her life.
“I don’t blame Matthew for wanting her, you know,” William said from the doorway.
“As I said before, having a woman look at you the way Madison looks at him is no small thing. I envy him that. How sad am I?”
When Portia turned around he was gone.
She sighed softly, moments later the sound of a door slamming echoed through the walls.
She loved William Bradley, but she hated him too.
Pushing thoughts of her toxic marriage aside she moved away from the bed and went in search of her mobile.
Minutes later she called Louisa Gilliford.
As a mother it was her responsibility to ensure her children made the right choices.
She’d be damned if she let her youngest do something that he would regret for the rest of his life.
The call picked up.
“Louisa, it’s Portia. We need to have a chat.”