The Twelve-Month Marriage Deal

by Margaret Mayo

  ‘I shall be meeting her,’ said Elena calmly, and the very fact that she had not raised her voice frustrated him further.

  ‘Then make sure that you do,’ he answered. ‘I do not trust Andres.’ There, he had said it, he had said what was in his mind. And unfortunately Elena picked up on it.

  ‘You’re jealous!’ she claimed with a sudden smile, a smile that lit up her whole face, that released his male hormones, that made him want to pull her hard against him and kiss her senseless.

  ‘Yes, I am,’ he agreed. How could he say otherwise when his body had hardened and he wanted her shamelessly? ‘You are my girl, my woman. No other man shall have you.’

  It was the strangest feeling. He had never in his life felt jealousy, never felt this searing emotion that had made him want to throw Andres out of his house. Seeing them sitting so close together, leaning so intimately towards each other, had been like a physical pain. As if someone had stabbed a knife into his heart.

  Dios! What did it mean? Not that he was falling in love with Elena, surely? That wasn’t possible. All he’d ever wanted was her body. She wasn’t his wife in the true sense of the word. So why the hell was she bringing out this alien side to his character?

  ‘No other man will,’ she assured him, her golden eyes steady on his. ‘At least not until we go our separate ways.’

  Elena knew that she ought not to have tagged on these last words—except that they were a safety net against her own feelings. She watched the flicker in Vidal’s eyes, saw the way his nostrils dilated, the way his mouth firmed. It all happened in a second, she could almost have imagined it. But she knew that she hadn’t.

  He was saying that he owned her! Body and soul. For the duration of their contract. And woe betide any other man who looked at her during that time.

  But to be actually jealous of Andres, that was a different matter. Unless he was changing his mind about her? Could it be that he was beginning to feel something too? Was she getting beneath his skin? Elena dared not let her thoughts go any further. It was too improbable.

  And yet…

  How did she feel about him? He was a damned good lover, that went without saying, and there were times when she had actually felt they were a real husband and wife. But always she had scoffed at her own fantasy. Vidal was in it for what he could get out of it, and she’d do as well to remember that—even if her feelings towards him were changing.

  A proper marriage would never work. Their lifestyles were far removed. Vidal would suffocate her. He would want to bend her to his will, and that was not the sort of partner she wanted.

  ‘That is obviously what I meant,’ he declared gruffly. ‘Now come here and let me kiss you.’

  And stupidly she did. She couldn’t help herself. As soon as his lips touched hers she forgot her fears, she forgot everything, letting herself drift into a state of heightened passion. And in bed that night heaven and earth moved again, making Elena wonder whether any other man would ever arouse her in this same seriously magical way. Was it possible? Or was Vidal the only man for her?

  Vidal was late getting home. As usual he had got caught up in a business meeting, but now he couldn’t wait to see Elena, to feel the warmth of her in his arms, to taste her exciting kisses, to make spectacular and satisfying love.

  There had been a sudden shift in their relationship recently and he felt sad when he thought about it coming to an end. He had even, stupidly, wondered if she would ever agree to make their marriage real.

  Which led to the question, was he in love with her? The answer was a resounding no. At least he didn’t think so. He had actually never been in love so what did he know about such things? He was very aware that Elena had begun to get beneath his skin as no one else ever had, and the thought of losing her at the end of the year made his heart feel heavy. He had even hated seeing her talking to Andres. He had known they were talking weddings, Andres’s daughter’s wedding, for heaven’s sake, but even so he had felt the green eye of jealousy streak into his veins.

  Tonight he intended to make it up to her—again. In his mind’s eye he could see her standing naked and proud in front of him. She had a fantastic figure. High, firm breasts that taunted him beyond belief when her nipples grew taut, beckoning him as the sun did to the flowers.

  She was slender without being thin, with softly curved hips and a flat stomach. In the apex of her thighs dark hair curled and hid from his eyes the sensitive heart of her. The part he had made his own. He sprang to life at the very thought of touching her there, making her wriggle and pretend indifference until ultimately she lifted herself up to accommodate him.

  Oh, Elena, he groaned. If only you knew what you do to me.

  She was waiting for him when he entered the house, wearing a white dress that he had not seen before. It was incredibly short and skimmed her curves, and looked as though it had cost a fortune—which it probably had, even though there was very little of it! He smiled wryly as he recalled his credit-card bill the other day.

  But hell, it was worth it. He’d have spent it a hundred times over to see her looking so seductively tempting. If he wasn’t mistaken she was wearing nothing beneath. There was no giveaway line of a bra or panties, or even a thong.

  He stood for a long moment just looking at her, feeling his heart race and his testosterone levels rise so high that he thought he might burst and they would explode all over the place, letting Elena know exactly how much she taunted him.

  But he would be no good to her then, so he restrained his feelings, smiling instead. ‘You look good enough to eat.’

  ‘And I expect you’re worn out,’ she said softly. ‘You’ve had a long day. Marita has dinner ready so why don’t you go and shower and I’ll see you back down here?’

  ‘You could join me,’ he suggested, hearing the hunger in his voice.

  ‘When I’ve dressed myself up especially for you?’ she asked softly. ‘I don’t think so. I’ll see you in a few minutes, Vidal.’ And with that she turned and sashayed out of the room.

  It was as though she was trying to convince him all over again that he had been mistaken when he’d thought Andres was coming on to her. He sang as he showered and in honour of Elena dressing up for him he pulled on a new pair of cream linen trousers and a black shirt.

  Satisfied that he looked as good as she did, Vidal rejoined her downstairs. Dinner was, as usual, being served on the terrace and he found Elena out there.

  ‘So what have you been doing with yourself today?’ he asked. ‘And before you answer that, may I be permitted to say how gorgeous you look?’

  ‘You’ve already told me,’ she said softly.

  ‘And is it a crime to tell you again?’

  ‘You can tell me as many times as you like,’ she answered. ‘A girl always likes compliments. I haven’t been doing very much actually. I’m waiting to hear from Andres’s daughter so that I can begin thinking about her wedding. They’re at complete loggerheads about it. But really I’ve had a very quiet day.’

  Vidal did not want to talk about Andres, or his daughter or wedding plans. He wanted to talk about Elena and this sexy new image she was portraying tonight. If he hadn’t known better he would have said she was hiding a secret.

  Perhaps it was Andres? He blanched as the thought suddenly hit him. Perhaps she had spoken to him again today. Perhaps this was what had put a lift to her step, the smile on her lips. Dios! He’d kill the man, he surely would.

  Nevertheless he managed to keep a tight rein on his feelings.

  ‘How was your day?’ she asked him now. ‘You looked tired when you came home.’

  ‘All of my days are tiring,’ he answered. ‘But when I have someone like you to come home to it makes it all worthwhile.’

  ‘I won’t be here for ever,’ Elena reminded him.

  Vidal chose not to bite, smiling instead. ‘Which makes it all the more important to enjoy what time we do have together.’

  Their first course was put in front of them—sli
ces of melon with smoked ham, and as she forked each delicious piece into her mouth Elena was conscious of Vidal watching her. She had the feeling that he would have liked to feed her each piece himself.

  Chicken and prawns followed, a delicious dish with onions, tomatoes and garlic, but Elena could not finish it all. ‘Did you know,’ she asked, putting down her knife and fork, challenging one of the long dark looks he kept giving her, ‘that it’s my birthday next week?’

  Instantly his face changed. Surprise and a smile followed. ‘No, I did not. Why have you never told me?’

  ‘Because it would look like I was angling for a present.’

  ‘But of course you must have one,’ he cut in at once. ‘Do you want to tell me what you would like, or do you prefer surprises?’ He lifted his glass and took a sip of his wine, looking at her speculatively over the rim. ‘We must do something to celebrate. How about a party?’

  ‘Oh, Vidal, I’d love that,’ she exclaimed. It was exactly what she had been thinking herself. She needed something to relieve the tedium of days spent alone. She had dressed carefully tonight, psyching herself up to ask him, and now there was no need. ‘Organising it will give me something to do. I’ve been—’

  He silenced her with a soft finger across her lips, smiling tenderly at her enthusiasm. ‘Make whatever plans you like, invite whomever you like—except Andres, of course,’ he added on a warning note and much to Elena’s amusement.

  Elena enjoyed making the arrangements. It made her feel as though she belonged, more settled into her marriage. She had never expected to feel this comfortable or so at ease. She had fought against her feelings for Vidal and yet as each day passed she felt that she was getting closer to him. She was even beginning to feel that their marriage might work, something that would have filled her with shock and horror a few weeks ago.

  Vidal had changed; he was far more loving towards her. She didn’t feel any more when they made love that it was simply because he hungered for her body. She sensed a closeness, a respect even.

  She invited a mixture of her own family and friends and some of Vidal’s family as well.

  ‘You’re looking much happier these days,’ he said over dinner one evening.

  ‘Am I?’

  ‘More content.’

  ‘That’s because I have something to do,’ she said. ‘I’ve always been used to a busy life. You have no idea what it’s been like sitting doing nothing.’ Waiting for him to return so that they could make love! The time they spent in bed was the highlight of her day, Vidal managing to turn her into someone she hardly recognised.

  Never had she envisaged that she could behave so wantonly, so freely, often initiating their lovemaking herself. They became one when they were making love, each finely attuned to the other’s needs. She was falling in love with him without a doubt. And she even wondered whether Vidal was falling in love with her too. Was it possible? How would she ever know?

  The night of her party arrived. Fairy lights adorned the gardens, the caterers had arrived, the band had set up in the pavilion, a floor had been laid for dancing and Elena was in her dressing room getting ready when Vidal moved in quietly behind her.

  She felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise when he gently touched her arms and dropped a kiss on her nape. It was a fact of life that these feelings would never go away. She wished that she could keep him at arm’s length, but it was impossible. The chemistry between them was overwhelming.

  ‘I didn’t hear you coming,’ she said, turning to look into his face.

  ‘You look beautiful, mi querida. And I have something for you.’

  Elena frowned. ‘But you’ve already given me my birthday present.’ One that she had never expected and was outrageously expensive.

  ‘A car.’ He dismissed it as of no consequence.

  But to Elena it had been the ultimate gift. A stunning sports car with cream leather seats. Her mouth had dropped open when he had taken her to see it. ‘I cannot accept this,’ she said immediately.

  ‘Why not?’ he asked gruffly.

  ‘It’s not right, not when our marriage isn’t permanent.’

  His eyes had narrowed at her reminder, but he had refrained from commenting, insisting instead that she keep it for the duration, saying that she needed some sort of transport. How he could say that when he had a garage full of cars, any of which were at her disposal, she did not know.

  And now he was giving her something else! None of it made sense. What was he trying to tell her? She took the white leather box, knowing by the familiar gold logo that it was more jewellery. Determined that she was going to give it back to him, she opened the lid.

  And gasped.

  It was a string of very fine gold chains, each one held together with a series of tiny pearls. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. It would actually go perfectly with her red dress, which had a plunging neckline and a straight calf-length skirt, split down one side to reveal an almost indecent length of leg.

  She had chosen red because Vidal had once said that it was his favourite colour and some imp inside her had wanted her to be at her most tempting tonight. ‘Oh, Vidal, it’s beautiful,’ she cried. ‘I love it. Thank you so much. How do you always know what I like? Put it on for me, please.’

  ‘It is my pleasure,’ he said gruffly, but before taking the necklace out of its box he placed it down and pulled Elena into his arms. Tilting her chin, looking deeply into her golden eyes, he lowered his head and kissed her, a kiss that threatened her sanity and told her again that she was dangerously close to being in love with him.

  Vidal’s hormones were playing havoc. Elena looked so incredible this evening. She had a glow to her that had been missing on their wedding day, even though she had tried her very best.

  The glow of a woman in love!

  The realisation caused his heart to pound unevenly in his chest, sending a flurry of panic through his veins. How could this have happened? How could he have been so blind? All he’d wanted was to possess her, have his fill of her, and then let her go on her way again.

  He was in a danger zone here because, and he hated to admit this even to himself, he too was in that risky situation of feeling more for Elena than he had ever anticipated.

  For tonight though he would push all such thoughts out of his mind. This was Elena’s day. She had been so excited. It had never dawned on him in the beginning how selfish he was being. He’d wanted her body and little else. Now he was forced to admit that he had been seriously self-indulgent.

  And it had backfired.

  Splendidly.

  After tonight he would need to take a serious look at himself and decide where his future lay.

  Elena’s parents weren’t coming. Her mother didn’t feel up to it and her father refused to leave her, but she had invited relatives and some friends from before she went to America. It was good to see her so alive and so happy.

  He kissed her deeply and satisfyingly. ‘If it wasn’t so close to party time I’d take you to bed,’ he growled. ‘You taste delicious and you look more stunning than ever. Red suits you. You should wear it more often.’

  ‘I dress to please,’ she said softly.

  With a further groan he pulled her even harder against him, feeling the thrust of her breasts against his chest; he even fancied he could feel her nipples, taut and exciting, trying to penetrate the thin cotton of his shirt, to tangle with his chest hairs—to drive him insane!

  ‘Don’t say things like that,’ he growled, ‘or there’ll be no party, only our own private one. Very private.’ He kissed her again, his tongue playing games with hers, his heart thudding against his ribcage. He slid his hands lower to cup and squeeze her fantastic bottom, luxuriating in the way she wriggled against him, and, finding the slit in her skirt, he slid his fingers inside the edge of her panties.

  What a convenient dress this was. Personally he loved it, but he went cold at the thought of what her other male guests might think. And then he forgot ab
out them when his searching fingers found the hot and wet core of her, so ready for him that it took every ounce of his not inconsiderable will power to pull his hand away. If he hadn’t the dress would have gone, everything would have been forgotten except his need of her.

  ‘Later,’ he promised gruffly.

  Every cell in his body was on high alert. He knew that he would never be able to take his eyes off her. All he could think about was ripping off the red dress and sinking himself into her welcoming heat.

  ‘Would you fasten my necklace, please?’

  Vidal suddenly realised that Elena had taken it out of the box and was holding it against her throat.

  ‘Of course.’ He took the ends, but his fingers shook so much that it was over a minute before he finally managed to clip the ends together. He was too aware of the warmth of her skin against his fingers, the drifting fragrance of her perfume. This was going to be a night never to be forgotten, he was certain of that.

  The gold looked striking against her smooth skin and she was right, it was exactly what the dress needed. He kissed her again, gently this time, merely touching his lips to hers. ‘Time to go, mi amor, if you want to be ready to meet your guests.’

  Elena found herself being invited to dance by one man after another. Her feet hardly touched the ground and she saw Vidal watching her even while he was dancing with someone else.

  But then it was his turn. ‘I cannot keep away from you any longer,’ he murmured, sliding his arms around her, nibbling her neck and her ear lobe. ‘I am jealous of every man who comes near you.’

  Where their bodies touched fire ignited. When his lips claimed hers she felt drunk with happiness. There was no doubt about it—she was in love with him. She did not even stop to think what the consequences would be. She was deliriously happy and wanted this moment to last for ever.

  She had thought that nothing could make her happier until she caught sight of a latecomer. Someone she had not invited. The gatecrasher wore a black cocktail dress, her eyes made up so that they looked enormous, her lips a slash of red, her long black hair gracing her shoulders in seductive waves.