For a moment she wondered if this was merely an excuse to put her off the scent. It all seemed odd to her. “Don’t they realize the family is still in mourning?”
“I’m sure they do and I was going to give it a miss, but now there’s a rumor floating around that my father is about to retire.”
That surprised her. “Is he?”
“Of course not, and I don’t want Dad to hear about it. He’s got enough on his mind. I’m convinced it was started by a competitor who thinks he can unsettle our major buyers.”
She frowned. “But how can they do that, anyway? Even if Michael retires, you and Adam have excellent reputations and will run the business just as well. I can’t see how anything will change.”
He gave a small smile. “Thanks for your confidence in us.” The smile slipped away. “No, any mention of change unsettles people, and I need to put out the fire tonight. One of our valued customers will be at the party, and I have to assure him that everything is fine. If he was to start looking at taking his business elsewhere, others might follow.”
She let that sink in, appreciating the importance of it all and feeling foolish because she’d been focused on a mere birthday party.
Yet disappointment dueled with self-derision. “Oh, I see.”
He glanced sideways at her. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing.”
“You were beaming before, and now you look down in the mouth.”
“Sometimes things get to me,” she said by way of an excuse, aware he shot her another look, but hoping he’d put it down to her thinking about Liam.
Thankfully the moment was broken as he slowed down to let the car in front turn into a driveway. And then her bubble finally did burst when he followed, stopping to give their names to the security person at the gates before continuing up the sweeping drive to an illuminated mansion.
Staff opened the car doors for them, precluding Dominic from talking further. Their hosts were a gracious couple who were too well mannered to ask the question in their eyes. She could feel others looking at them and was grateful that Dominic kept her at his side as they moved around the room, his arm around her waist in a protective manner.
Or was that a possessive manner?
And why did she feel a little thrill at the thought of him being either?
“Just ignore them,” he whispered in her ear.
“Who?” she said unnecessarily.
“All those people who are wondering about us.” He didn’t need to point out they were probably asking themselves how a woman could marry her late husband’s brother within two weeks after his death. “It’s none of their business,” he added quietly, and then his jaw clenched. “And if anyone says anything to you, please let me know. They won’t say it again.”
“I don’t think they’d dare,” she mused, looking at the fierceness in his eyes.
“You think it’s funny?”
He looked even more fierce.
“Not at all.” And unexpectedly—in spite of everything between them—she couldn’t help herself. Her lips twitched. “You’re being funny.”
Surprise showed on his face; then his mouth curved upward in a sexy smile that held his trademark arrogance. “You won’t be smiling later tonight,” he threatened in a low voice. “You’ll be begging.”
Her heartbeat began to race. He’d made love to her every night, but tonight would be a special birthday treat to herself.
Just then a waiter interrupted them with the offer to refill their half-filled glasses, but Dominic shook his head and the waiter left.
“Keep smiling at me,” Dominic murmured once they were alone again, but she noticed his gaze had briefly darted away from her.
Her pleasure in the moment faltered and died. “We’re being watched, aren’t we?” That was why he was being so charming to her. He was using her. Like Liam had often used her in front of his friends and business acquaintances.
Dominic didn’t seem to notice her dismay. “The man I need to speak to is across the room. I want him to see we’re at ease with each other. He’ll be more likely to believe nothing’s amiss with the family if we look sure of ourselves.”
She winced inwardly, disappointment biting at her heels, thoughts of making love to Dominic later tonight suddenly not so gratifying. If things were better between them, if the brief connection she sometimes glimpsed between them hadn’t vanished again, she could at least have enjoyed some of his company at the party tonight. As it was, right now all she wanted to do was go find a corner to curl up in.
All at once he gave a low curse. “Damn. It looks like he’s leaving the room with our host. Paul’s probably taking him out to the garage to show him his latest car.”
“Then go after him. I’ll be fine here.” She’d be glad to get away from Dominic’s presence, even if it meant standing there by herself. “Go.” He went.
Dominic moved across the room, making sure he didn’t look like he was hurrying as he steeled himself to talk to the man ahead. The deep cut and thrust of the business world had always appealed to him, but this time he didn’t like it that one client might be able to inflict damage to their business. He hated smoothing the waters like this.
Admittedly, it wouldn’t be the end of the Roths—not even close—but they would take a hit if Bannon Dale didn’t renew his contracts and started furnishing his hotels from other luxury goods department stores. Lost revenue would certainly mean a number of Roth employees, from those who worked in the stores, down to the people in their warehouses, to the drivers who moved the goods, could lose their jobs.
He didn’t really expect it would happen, but damage prevention was called for tonight. Bannon had to be assured that Michael Roth wasn’t retiring for a long time yet and that no other changes were planned. Bannon Dale Hotels would always get the best from them.
And then he’d have to speak to both his father and Adam about paving the way for when his father did eventually retire. Things would change when he took over the business, but he would continue to use his father’s philosophy of integrity and fairness.
He saw his target ahead in the hallway. “Good evening, Bannon,” he called out, raising his voice just enough to be heard above the party.
Bannon Dale turned, along with the other man, and boomed, “Dominic! I didn’t expect you here tonight.” He waited for Dominic to get closer, then shook his hand. “How’s your father?”
Dominic noted there was more than a gleam of interest in the other man’s eyes, and he was glad he’d come tonight. “As switched on as ever and looking forward to coming back to the office next week.”
Bannon nodded sympathetically. “Yes, I was sorry to hear about Liam.”
“Thank you.” Dominic appreciated the words. Then he paused. “Actually, I wonder if I could have a brief word with you in private.” He glanced apologetically at their host. “I won’t keep him long, Paul.”
Paul nodded. “Sure. You can use my study. It’s down on the right.” Then he looked at Bannon. “I’ll be in the garage when you’re ready.” He left them to it.
Fifteen minutes later Dominic watched Bannon leave the study. He was feeling very pleased now that he’d spoken to the other man. Bannon had heard the false rumor about Michael’s retirement and appreciated learning that was all it was. He even mentioned to Dominic that he suspected who’d started it, so he was no fool. Bannon wasn’t pleased by the dirty tactics, either.
Dominic was about to leave the study himself when his cell phone rang. It was his mother.
“Dominic…oh. You’re there.”
“You sound surprised that I answered my own phone,” he teased.
“Only because Nesta said you’d gone to a party and I didn’t expect you to answer this call.”
His brows flattened in a frown. “Is there a problem?”
“Only that I forgot it was Cassandra’s birthday today,” she said, sending shock through him. “I should have remembered, but this year has been so…hard.”
It was Cassandra’s birthday today?
Hell.
It took him a few seconds to pull himself together. Then he said, “Okay, thanks for letting me know.”
“Can you please give her our birthday wishes? You know I like to do the right thing in these sorts of situations.”
Dominic felt a flicker of annoyance. “Don’t worry, Mum. Cassandra knows how you feel about her.”
There was a slight hesitation. “Thanks, darling.”
He disconnected the call and stood there, letting it sink in. Dammit, no wonder Cassandra had looked excited one minute, then the next like the bottom had fallen out of her world. She’d thought he was taking her out for her birthday. He strode to the door and went in search of his wife.
At the party he saw her across the room. She was smiling, and she looked stunningly beautiful. He immediately wanted to lose himself in her.
And then he noticed the couple standing beside her. The woman he didn’t recognize. The man he knew instantly. Keith Samuels. Cassandra’s ex-lover.
The image of Keith and Cassandra in bed together sent fire spiking through him. He strode across the room, his eyes fixed upon them, anger bubbling inside him. He didn’t like the way the other man was leering all over her.
“And I’m sorry we didn’t get to Liam’s funeral,” Keith was saying as he came upon them. “Tanya and I were on our honeymoon. My divorce had only just come through the week before and we’d already paid for and booked the cruise.”
“Cassandra, I’ve been looking for you,” Dominic snarled, having to refrain from grabbing the other man’s throat as he approached them. Both their heads snapped toward him and both looked uncomfortable. Or guilty.
“Dominic,” Keith said, turning slightly pale. “I didn’t know you were there.”
“Clearly.”
Dominic took Cassandra by the elbow. “Excuse us. I need to speak with my wife.” He quietly emphasized the last words, then walked her toward the French doors, though he had the sense to make it look as if he was taking her outside for a stroll. He didn’t want any newspapers reporting a tiff between them.
“Dominic—” she began. “I—”
“I don’t want to hear what you have to say, Cassandra,” he hissed, not letting her go until they were in the shadows at the far end of the terrace. “Sorry to interrupt your little dalliance with your lover.”
“Dominic, this is ridiculous. There was nothing to interrupt.”
“Tell that to someone who might actually believe you.”
She flinched. “You make it sound like I met him here on purpose. How could I? I didn’t know you were bringing me here tonight.”
“No, but you took advantage of it as soon as my back was turned.”
“He and his new wife came up to me. I would never have spoken to him otherwise. I dislike the man intensely.”
His eyes narrowed. “So you’re telling me the affair’s over now?”
“There never was any affair.”
“Liam wouldn’t lie over something like that.”
“And I would?”
“Your track record isn’t so good.”
Her shoulders seemed to slump, then as quickly she drew herself up with calm dignity. “Believe what you will, Dominic. I can’t stop you.”
He wondered if this was a ploy to get some sort of sympathy out of him. It didn’t work. Liam had broken down and told him about her affair when he’d mentioned the will. His brother had been on his deathbed. He’d had no reason to lie.
He fixed her with a stare. “You couldn’t even tell me it was your birthday, so why would I believe you’ve started telling me the truth now?”
Her eyes widened. “You know it’s my birthday?”
He inclined his head. “My mother phoned before on my cell. She wanted to apologize for not remembering.”
“She did?”
“You sound surprised. No doubt she thought it was the correct thing to do.”
“Despite hating my guts?” Cassandra’s lips twisted. “I’m sure.”
He allowed her that small irony. Then he asked, “You didn’t think to let me know yourself?”
“It’s only a birthday,” she dismissed.
He shot her a glare. “You were trying to make me feel bad.”
“How can you feel bad when you didn’t know?” she said, looking confused. Then she shrugged. “Anyway, it’s not important in the scheme of things.”
“Not like your affair with Keith is important, right?” he snapped, as everything seemed to squeeze tight inside him. “The affair is over, Cassandra. For good. If I get one whiff of you starting up again, I’ll have Nicole taken off you so fast your head will spin.”
She took a step back against the balustrade. “Don’t say that!”
“I mean it.”
She swallowed hard. “I know you do,” she whispered, then shuddered, all at once looking totally defeated. “Can we go home now please, Dominic? I’m feeling rather…tired.”
With anyone else he would have felt some pity.
He couldn’t let himself feel anything.
Not one damn thing.
He put his hand on her arm. “Come on,” he said brusquely. “Let’s get out of here.” He’d had enough, too. He wanted her as far away from Keith Samuels as humanly possible, but threatening to take a woman’s child off her on her birthday had to be the lowest thing he’d ever done.
Eight
The next day was Friday, and Cassandra was anxious to go to the nursing home. She wanted to arrange a start date for her volunteer work. She desperately needed to settle everything so that she could give up the pretense of another dental appointment, otherwise Dominic might get suspicious and think she was going off to meet Keith. He might put a tail on her.
Oh, God, why was life so complicated? she asked herself as she dressed. It was a question she couldn’t answer. Not only did she have the never-ending fear that Dominic might take her daughter from her, but seeing Keith again last night at the party had shaken her and was a reminder that she had so much to lose. He hadn’t looked the slightest bit repentant about what he’d done to her, and had no qualms about introducing her to his new wife.
At least his new marriage explained why he hadn’t been at Liam’s funeral. She’d wondered about that at the time, but had been thankful he hadn’t graced them with his presence. It would have been too uncomfortable for her. Not that anyone else would have known…except one person.
Dominic had known.
And that had made it worse last night when Dominic had come back into the party just as she’d run into them. Talk about bad timing. And yet, she had nothing to be ashamed about. She hadn’t had an affair with Keith.
And Dominic still hadn’t believed her.
And he’d threatened to take Nicole from her.
She had to keep reminding herself she was innocent in all this. Keith had kissed her against her will that day, and Lord knows what else he would have been capable of if Liam hadn’t come home. Then Keith had twisted it around, not only to excuse himself, but to get back at her for rejecting his advances. It would still be his word against hers. Remembering the sleazy light in his eyes last night, she had no doubt he’d even now perjure himself if brought into court. He may not give a damn now if his ex-wife heard about the so-called affair, but he’d definitely want payment “in kind.” He’d have no hesitation in painting her in a bad light. The thought made her sick to her stomach.
She was remembering it all when Nesta called her on the intercom to tell her that Laura Roth was downstairs. Cassandra groaned to herself. She hadn’t seen her mother-in-law since last week on her “honeymoon” and she didn’t want to see her now, but there was no getting around it. She took a few minutes to put on a calm facade, then made her way down the stairs and entered the living room.
As graceful as ever, Laura turned from looking out the window. “Nesta tells me you’re on your way out the door,” she said, her voice polite.
; Cassandra had to wonder what her mother-in-law was doing here. Had she come to cause trouble while Dominic was at work? She didn’t need this right now.
“Yes, I have an appointment this morning.” She didn’t feel the need to mention the volunteer work.
“I won’t stay long.” Laura stood there, for once looking slightly ill-at-ease. “Is Nicole taking a nap?”
“Yes. Do you want to look in on her?”
Her face lit up, then fell. “I’d better not. I might wake her up.”
There was a lull.
All at once Laura opened her handbag and took out a small gift. “Actually, I just wanted to drop this off for you. It’s a birthday present.”
Cassandra knew her mother-in-law was only doing what she thought was right. This wasn’t about being nice to her. “You didn’t have to do that.”
Laura stiffened slightly. “Yes, I did. And I must apologize for not remembering yesterday.”
In a way, Cassandra wished she hadn’t remembered at all. It sounded ungrateful, but she’d rather have no present than one that was grudgingly given for the sake of appearances.
She unwrapped the gift. It was a scarf made from the finest silk in a pretty lavender color. “It’s beautiful, thank you.” And she meant it.
For a moment, pleasure flashed in Laura’s eyes, before she masked it again. “You’re welcome.”
Catching glimpses of the affection her mother-in-law once had for her was distressful, and Cassandra’s heart constricted at the thought of what she’d lost because of Liam. Things were never going to be the same between her and his family ever again. She had to accept that. And she would. She just had to make sure none of this bad feeling affected Nicole.
Something struck her then. Everything that affected her would affect Nicole as she grew up. And didn’t that mean she owed it to her daughter not to give up so easily? Didn’t she have to keep on trying to make some sort of peace with this woman in front of her? And wasn’t Christmas the perfect time to make such an effort?
She took a breath. “Laura, I was going to suggest to Dominic that we put up a Christmas tree this Sunday. I’m sure he’d love for you and Michael to be here, too. And Adam.”
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