“And why can’t you see that I don’t need your protection?”
“Please. Once you have this money, it’ll offer you freedom, a new beginning.” Ash’s chest tightened.
“Fine. I won’t see him again.” Abby’s shoulders slumped.
“Promise?”
“I promise,” she muttered.
All Ash could do was rely on her sister’s word. Going to the vase, she took out the money. Abby’s eyes lit up. “Wow! He gave you cash. Holy shit!”
“Yeah, just like you said, thirty grand isn’t much too him.” Ash held out the stack.
Abby took it, tossing it from one hand to the other, as if mentally weighing it. “So, this is what this much moolah feels like.” She laughed.
Chills raced through Ash. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever realized how greedy her sister was until this very moment. The look on her face screamed avaricious. “Imagine all of the hungry kids that money could feed.”
Abby looked down her nose at Ash. “Of course you’d see it with a benevolent view. I see white sanded beaches, crystal blue water and drinks delivered by cabana boys.”
“Just remember you made a promise.”
“I’m only kidding, Sis.” Abby kissed her on the cheek, grabbed her purse off the table, and dropped the money inside. “I’ve got to go.”
CHAPTER SIX
“As you asked, I didn’t bring much.” Ash clutched the handle to her overnight bag until her knuckles ached.
“I’ve made arrangements for you to have a whole new wardrobe.”
“Of course, you wouldn’t want your wife wearing off-the-rack clothes.”
He chuckled. “I didn’t want you to have to worry about what you would wear over the next thirty days. There will be a few social functions you’ll be expected to attend with me.”
With me. Those two words traveled like dark chocolate through her bloodstream. She’d thought of nothing else but being with him since she’d agreed to this crazy arrangement. “I guess I owe you a thank you.”
He took her bag and set it down. “I’ll show you around,” he offered. “This place is much different than the one bedroom we lived in where we had to let the water run for a few minutes until the rust cleared. Or how we heard the neighbors whenever they decided to be romantic.”
Her cheeks warmed remembering how she and Declan had taken their lovemaking to the floor out of fear that the neighbors would overhear. “That place was, well, special. I particularly loved the balcony that was attached by two rusty nails and when a gust of wind came along, it would squeak.”
“We’ve certainly come a long way, haven’t we?”
“At least one of us has.”
He didn’t respond, just motioned for her to follow him.
Biting down on her bottom lip she forced her feet to move, following him down the hallway until they came to the set of massive glass doors. He pushed one open and gestured for her to lead the way. She stepped through, waited for him and he brushed past her leaving a trail of citrus scented soap. The smell could easily become an addiction. “I think you’ll see this situation won’t be too bad.”
She sighed, then forced her thoughts to work, needing to get her head back on track. She could manage this circumstance, if she viewed it as a business arrangement and nothing personal. He didn’t ask her here because he still had feelings for her, or wanted to reignite the old feelings. He saw her as a means to an end, just as she needed the money and was willing to do anything—almost anything to get it. It didn’t matter that when she was near him he stoked a fire buried deep inside of her body. Or that his touch reminded her of a time when she was his, and wanted nothing more than to be his.
“Declan…”
“Ash.” His smile was warm and instantly drew her attention to his white teeth and strong jaw. Her mind drew up remarkable images of him kissing her, touching her, licking her. What is wrong with you?
“Home sweet home.” He made a sweeping gesture with his hands. “Of course, you saw this room when you were here yesterday.”
She’d been so nervous she hadn’t seen much of the living room. The place screamed bachelor pad, not that she’d expected anything different. The large space was sparingly filled with sleek and glass furniture that she thought no one decorated with unless it was on the front page of a glamour home magazine. There wasn’t a speck of dust or a sliver of personal belongings anywhere in sight. Every square inch was masculine and intimidating. “Do you have a housekeeper?”
“She comes every other day. She has a key and lets herself in.”
“Excellent,” she muttered.
“Shall we continue with the tour. A wife must know her way around her home.”
Ash tried to work through her nerves as she moved her way through the apartment. She had to remember why she was here—and getting her sister the hell away from the likes of Philippe. It would all be worth it in the end. Ash would do what was expected of her, even if it meant warming Declan Knight’s bed to save Abby. The idea should repulse her, not cause a fourth of July fireworks show between her inner thighs.
“I’ve made arrangements for us to have dinner here this evening.”
She gulped air. “Okay.”
“You look worried.”
“No, I just…well…I didn’t know if we would be husband and wife while we’re away from people.”
“Well, most married couples do have dinner together, don’t they?” He chuckled.
“True. Sorry, I just…”
“Are nervous?”
“Yes. I guess I’m just anticipating on hearing your expectations of me.”
He skimmed his gaze along her nose, her cheeks and landed on her mouth, staying there a good three seconds before he darted his gaze to a picture on the wall. He straightened it, although it wasn’t cockeyed to begin with. “I don’t have many rules for us, or expectations, but because we’re under the pretense of being married, truly married, there are a few things I think are important. While you’re here, this is your home. You should make yourself comfortable, do what you’d normally do if…”, he looked at her, his gaze cutting through her, “you’d stayed five years ago. You’re more than welcome to use the kitchen and the piano. I hope you still play on occasion. I can get you anything that’ll make your stay more comfortable. The building is furnished with a few amenities like a fully equipped gym and spa. A beauty salon too. There’s only one room here that I ask you don’t go into—my office. It’s private. I had Todd contact the building manager for an extra key card that’ll give you access to all areas of the building. Remind me to give it to you. I’ll ask that if you leave the building you will inform me.”
She squinted. “Isn’t that a little above and beyond?”
He shrugged. “In case I need your services. I also have a driver who can take you wherever it is you need to go.”
Services? He made her sound more like an escort than a wife. Then again, wasn’t she selling herself for thirty grand? Her stomach twisted. How had she gotten herself into this situation? No, how had she allowed Abby to get her into this situation?
He must have been waiting for her to respond because he glanced at her, one brow lifted. Her knees weakened. “You need to relax, bella. No one will believe this arrangement with you looking like a deer caught in headlights.”
“Okay.” To keep from staring at him, she looked at the hanging art that must have cost a fortune.
“Let’s continue.” He pushed through a set of double doors and she followed him into the kitchen.
Her mouth fell open and she quickly shut it. Everything was immaculate and in place. From the tall white cabinets, the black granite countertops, the pan rack hanging from the ceiling full of pots and skillets that looked like they’d never been touched, unlike her thrift store hand-me-downs that had scrapes and dents. The untouched look was much like the rest of the house. A museum. Making herself comfortable might be difficult when she’d fear breaking something, or leaving fingerprints.
“Is that part of my duties while I’m here.”
He laughed. “It’s not. It was just a question.”
She moistened her lips. “I find it’s much easier to open a can of soup or pour a bowl of cereal when I’m only cooking for one. I do help in the kitchen at the diner when needed.”
“You’re working at a diner?”
“I was working at a diner. I was fired for missing a day’s work.”
“What happened to getting your degree?”
Leaning against the counter, she clutched her hands together on the cool granite. “I’m almost there. I have one semester left in graduate school.”
Something flashed in his eyes. “I’m proud of you, bella. That’s amazing. I know that’s what you wanted.” As if he realized what he’d said, he blinked and turned away. “Anyway, feel free to use the kitchen. I wasn’t sure what you still liked to eat so I stocked the refrigerator and cabinet with a variety of things.” He opened one cabinet. “Oh, this is where the glasses are kept.” He opened a second door, sighing. “I’m sure you won’t be eating candles.” He took one tapered wax candle out and pretended to inspect it.
“If I had arranged this kitchen, I would have put the food here…” She stepped across the ceramic tiles, her heels clomping lightly, and she opened a door that entered into a large pantry that she could have fit her kitchen back home into. As he’d promised, the shelves were lined with a variety of food.
“Ahh, the pantry. That makes sense.”
“So, you still don’t cook.” She smiled.
“Never,” he admitted without shame. “I have a cook that does those things for me when needed.”
“It’s a good thing that the Knight family has more money than they could ever use up in ten lifetimes, otherwise you’d be in terrible condition. By the way, I heard about Angelina. I’m so sorry. You know how much I cared for her.”
His Adams apple bobbed and she saw the pain sweep across his expression only to quickly disappear. “She had a soft spot for you too. I’ll never forget how she swore she’d never forgive me for letting you go.”
His gentle voice seeped into her arteries. Ash cleared her throat and shut the door to the pantry. “It was very kind of her for helping me. I could never repay her enough, although she would never have expected it, or allowed it, anyway.”
His brows scrunched together. “Helping you?”
She swallowed hard. “She didn’t tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“She came to visit me and we had a nice dinner together, sat in a quaint restaurant for hours talking about this and that, sharing stories, eating rich and decadent food. Before she left, she handed me an envelope, making me promise not to open it until I got home. She looked so sad that it made chills race across my flesh. I stood clutching the envelope and watching as she climbed into the back of the car and then drove away. She’d written me the sweetest letter and had included a check to pay for my graduate schooling.” Her eyes misted and she swore she wouldn’t cry, not here, not now. “I tried to give the check back, but she refused.”
His jaw hardened. “She never told me that she saw you after the separation. But then again, she was good at keeping secrets.”
“Are you angry because she helped me? I can still pay back every cent—”
“Stop, bella.” He gave his head a quick shake. “That’s not what she would have wanted, and I certainly wouldn’t ask for you to do such a thing. She had a giving heart.” His eyes filled with a sadness that he didn’t bother hiding.
Ash had a strong urge to reach out to him, hold him in her arms, tell him how sorry she was that Angelina was gone, but that would only make this situation harder, more difficult. She wasn’t here to comfort him. She was here as a pretend wife. That’s all.
She didn’t want to share with Declan what Angelina had written in the letter. She’d asked Ash to one day forgive Declan for the hurt he’d caused her. That sometimes two people come together at the wrong time in life and fate brings them back when the stars align perfectly. Angelina was insightful and could always make a person feel, when they’d talked to her, that they’d met someone very special—someone who left a magical impression on one’s heart and mind. Of course, Angelina had no way of knowing that chance would bring Ash and Declan back together, but not for what his sister had hoped for. She had loved Declan, and all her brothers very much, and her legacy lived on in them and the love they had for her. Guilt plagued Ash. Her husband, a mere stranger at this point, would be hers again for thirty days. How awkward.
“I guess I should ask a few personal questions.” He scrubbed his jaw. “Is your mother doing well?”
“As great as can be expected. She’s living in an assisted living home. It’s not the greatest living situation, but for now, that’s what her insurance covers. I see her often and she seems happy.”
“And of course your sister is still up to the same antics, I’m sure.”
Ash wrapped her arms around her waist. “It would help if you could say the words without growling.”
“I’ll try better next time.”
She didn’t believe for a second that he meant his promise. She lifted her chin and straightened her spine. “Declan, I agreed wholeheartedly to this situation and I plan to give you thirty days. However, I’m a little vague on what is expected of me.”
He moved across the room as if he needed the space between them. “That is still a mystery. I myself am unclear what will come next. Is there a boyfriend that I need to be concerned with?” His gaze tapered.
“No, but what will your female following think of you being married? I’m sure that will put a dent in your game. All of those leggy blondes with large…assets.” Even she could detect the sarcasm in her tone.
One corner of his mouth lifted. “No need for jealousy, my dear. If any of them would have fit into this arrangement, they would have been here instead of you.”
“If I hadn’t shown up when I did, I do believe you’d have someone else standing here instead of me. Your ‘type’ had changed, I must say.”
He met her gaze. “If you hadn’t shown up when you did I would have lost a large business deal and regretting it for the rest of my life.” He turned and started for the doors.
“Where are we going now?” she asked as they retraced their steps down the hall.
“To your bedroom.”
Her heart dropped into her toes. He used ‘your’ instead of ‘our’ and she wasn’t sure she should be grateful or disappointed. This was why her being here was so wrong. Her mind and body were at a tug of war. Although she knew she couldn’t fall into his arms again without serious repercussions, she wasn’t sure when the time came and she was presented with an opportunity to warm his bed, that she could deny him, or her very hungry body. Who better to ease her womanly needs than her husband? The one man who’d been her lover—her only lover. Would he laugh at her if he knew she hadn’t been with anyone but him? No, he wouldn’t laugh. He would find great pleasure in knowing how dull her life was over the years.
She followed him up the stairs, her knees weak and her heart slamming hard against her ribcage. They stepped into the last bedroom.
The room was lit only by the soft light of a table lamp. The mahogany headboard seemed massive against one wall. A thick, red comforter covered the bed and a row of fluffy white pillows lined the top. The floor was covered in soft off-white carpet that made her want to take her shoes off before she entered. Floor to ceiling windows gave an amazing view over the city and she couldn’t wait to see it at dark with the twinkling lights.
“Is it to your liking?” he asked.
“The view is amazing.”
“Yes, it is.” He didn’t take his gaze off her.
Her knees knocked and she stood there, speechless, overwhelmed with the intensity of the situation. He must have sensed her perplexity because he stepped closer, reaching out and gliding his knuckles
along her cheek. “You’re beautiful, bella. I never thought it possible, but more now than ever.”
She swallowed against the lump in her throat, feeling the heat from his body circling her like a satin cloud of promise. “Thank you.”
He chuckled as if she humored him. His hand drifted to her neck, his long, strong fingers slipping along the curve, over her collarbone, sending the strap of her dress down her shoulder. Why was he doing this to her? Did he enjoy bringing her to the edge of desire like some revengeful tactic? Why couldn’t she resist him?
He dipped his face closer and she anticipated his kiss, wanted his touch—more of him. She knew then, she couldn’t resist him if she tried.
“Please undress for me.” His husky, low voice riddled through her with the validity of a sweet drug.
Her lungs ached, realizing she wasn’t breathing. Breathe before you pass out. Sipping in heavenly air, she got a strong wave of his masculine scent and it nestled in her core, wetting her panties more. She could tell him “no”. He wouldn’t force her to do anything she didn’t want to do, she was certain. Yet why didn’t rejection settle on her tongue? Instead, she took a step back, slid off her heels and pushed them to the side. Just as she suspected, the carpet was as soft as a cloud.
His eyes turned darker and her nipples beaded, her pussy throbbed as she realized what she was about to do…undress in front of her husband—her estranged husband. It had been years since a man had seen her naked, since he’d seen her naked. Nervousness and excitement mingled together, racing through her, causing her nipples to bud against her bra.
Unzipping the zipper at the side, the dress cascaded from her body until floating around her ankles. A cooler breeze swept across her skin, causing goosebumps to scatter her flesh, more from his pensive stare and not the air conditioning whirling through the vents.
She focused on him as she reached around and unhooked her bra. The thin, lavender lace drifted to the floor with the dress and she stood before him, her nipples pearled and she vetoed the need to cover herself from his view. If she was going to do this, she was going to do it well. His gaze turned scorching and she felt it seep into her skin, tickling every nerve ending.
His Weekend Wife (The KNIGHT Brothers Book 2) Page 8