The Marriage Proposition. Sara Craven

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СКАЧАТЬ the surface she stared back at him, her chin lifting in unmistakable hostility.

      She said coldly, ‘Is quoting nonsense at me the best you can do?’

      Nick tutted. ‘Shakespeare is hardly nonsense, darling. And it seemed quite appropriate, in view of what comes next from Titania herself,’ he added reflectively. ‘“Fairies skip hence. I have foresworn his bed and company.”’

      She felt hot colour rush into her face, and was glad of the sheltering darkness. She could feel anger starting to build in her. She wanted to scream at him—You dare accuse me of that? You—of all people? But that was a path she could not afford to tread, she thought, taking a deep, calming breath.

      She said, ‘What are you doing here, Nick?’

      ‘What a coincidence,’ he said cordially. ‘I was going to ask you exactly the same question. I hope you’re here to promote Harrington Holdings for the island development programme. I see you’re here tonight with one of the chief movers and shakers,’ he added. ‘Is your relationship with him business or personal?’

      ‘I don’t think you have the slightest right to ask that.’

      ‘Ah, but I have,’ Nick said softly. ‘For all kinds of reasons. And the fact that I’m your husband is only the least of them.’ He paused to allow that to sink in. ‘So, please, tell me why you’re here.’

      ‘As a matter of fact I’m on holiday.’ She controlled her voice with an effort. ‘I presume I’m allowed the occasional break.’

      ‘And Brad Coulter?’

      ‘I met him socially. He’s a friend.’

      ‘Ah,’ he said. ‘And would it be indiscreet to enquire how long this—friendship has had to ripen?’

      Paige said defensively, ‘What do you mean?’

      ‘I’m asking when you arrived on this little unspoiled paradise.’

      She bit her lip. ‘About three weeks ago.’

      He whistled. ‘And all on your salary from Harringtons. Or are you being subsidised—in the name of friendship?’

      Paige was startled. Somehow—already—he’d found out that Jack and Angie had offered her cut-price, rock-bottom rates. How the hell had he managed that? she wondered, humiliated. Or was it an educated guess?

      She said sharply, ‘And if I am? What concern is it of yours?’

      ‘You’ll find I’m concerned about a great many things.’ He was silent for a moment. ‘So you’re really not here to drum up trade for the family business?’

      ‘Harringtons don’t tender for overseas contracts—particularly ones that are halfway round the world. You should know that.’

      He said slowly, ‘Well, that’s something they may have to reconsider. Tell me, have you been in touch with the office during this extended vacation of yours? Have any faxes or e-mails come thundering across the ocean at you?’

      ‘No,’ she said defiantly. ‘And I wouldn’t expect them to—not when this is my first holiday since …’ She hesitated, then said quickly, ‘In over a year.’

      ‘Since our honeymoon,’ he said. ‘Isn’t that what you were going to say?’

      ‘Since the trip we were obliged to take after the wedding,’ she said brusquely. ‘Why call it a ridiculous name?’

      ‘Maybe I’m just a stickler for convention,’ he drawled. There was another pause, then, ‘You really haven’t had any communication with the company?’

      ‘None at all. I decided I wanted a real vacation.’ Firmly, she put out of her mind the memory of that last row with Toby, and her decision not to let him know where she was while he considered the ultimatum she’d given him.

      ‘I’d say you’d achieved it. Even down to a little holiday romance.’

      ‘Thank you,’ she said tautly. ‘You appear to be having a good time yourself.’

      ‘Ah,’ Nick said softly. ‘But appearances can be deceptive—don’t you find?’

      Like you deceived me? she thought. When you made me think—just for a brief moment—one night long ago—that maybe this mismatch between us might work after all. That perhaps it could be more than just a business arrangement …

      ‘I think,’ she said, ‘that what you see is generally what you get.’ She moved restively, feeling at a disadvantage, standing there barefoot, with her sandals dangling from her hand. ‘Will you excuse me, please? My friends will be wondering where I am. And I’m sure your party will be missing you, too,’ she added pointedly.

      ‘You’re all consideration.’ He sounded amused, as if her inference wasn’t lost on him. ‘But we really do have things to talk about.’

      ‘Nothing that can’t wait a few months,’ she said. ‘I’ll get my lawyer to contact yours.’

      ‘Caribbean holidays and a divorce,’ he said meditatively. ‘You’re going to have an expensive time.’

      Suddenly her antennae were alert and sounding an alarm. Because that—almost—sounded like a threat. Didn’t it?

      Maybe it was something she needed to find out, she thought, her senses tingling. This confrontation might be galling, but she couldn’t end it quite yet.

      She paused, choosing her words carefully. ‘A quick, no-fault ending of our arrangement? With no property settlement or maintenance involved? Surely not.’

      ‘You don’t count the shattering of hopes and dreams?’ His tone was mocking. ‘The laceration of one’s finest feelings?’

      Her mouth tightened. ‘They weren’t included in the deal.’ And if there was any lacerating done, I’m the one left with the scars.

      He said slowly, ‘Perhaps I’m looking to renegotiate.’

      That insidious trembling had started up again, deep in her gut.

      She said quickly and coldly, ‘No chance. The original contract stands, and even that isn’t for much longer. I want out, Nick, so don’t start playing games. I’m not impressed.’

      He laughed. ‘Tough talk, honey, but talk is cheap. Are you really prepared for a fight?’

      ‘That wasn’t part of the arrangement either.’ Her heart was beating fiercely, erratically again. The chain round her throat seemed to be tightening, and she put up a hand and tugged at it mechanically, feeling the delicate links biting into her fingers.

      He said laconically, ‘Call it an afterthought.’

      She said huskily, ‘Then I recommend you think again.’

      His gaze fastened on the nervous movement of her hand. ‘I see,’ he said, ‘that you’ve taken off your wedding ring.’

      ‘I’m СКАЧАТЬ