Bride, Bought and Paid For

by Helen Bianchin

  ‘Threat or promise?’

  It was almost as if they were turning back the clock, and Romy tilted her head and let it rest briefly against his shoulder. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘For what, specifically?’

  ‘Bringing me here.’

  He dropped a light kiss onto the top of her head. ‘My pleasure.’

  Did wishes come true? Sometimes, if you believed in them. And if so, was true happiness too much to ask?

  It was almost dusk when they returned to their villa, where they showered, changed and walked down to the dining room for dinner.

  Dimmed lights, moonlight painting a gleaming path on the water, fine food…what more could anyone ask?

  A waiter served coffee, and Xavier settled back in his chair.

  ‘We’ll take a catamaran out in the morning. The coral beds are worth seeing.’

  No work, no battling peak-hour traffic. Homework assignments wouldn’t exist for a few days. An idyllic setting…and she got to spend twenty-four seven with her husband.

  ‘Would you like to cross into the lounge?’

  Mix and mingle? Attempt to have a conversation against background music and the chatter of fellow guests? Besides, there was a wedding reception happening, so she shook her head. ‘Let’s take a walk along the beach in the moonlight.’

  His warm smile held a degree of amusement. ‘You want romance?’

  ‘Just…you.’

  It was nice. Really nice, to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the solitude, and the vast emptiness of the night’s ocean. An awareness the world…the world as they knew it, was far away.

  Neither spoke as they walked hand-in-hand in a circuitous route back to their villa, and once inside Romy melted into his arms, lifting her head to welcome his kiss. Lingering, when she wanted passion, and it was Xavier who gently put her at arm’s length and reached for a slim pictorial folder on a nearby table.

  ‘You might like to check this out.’

  She accepted it with a musing smile. ‘What have you done?’

  ‘Open the brochure.’

  She did, and it brought a pleased gasp to her lips. Concurrent spa treatments the following afternoon…for each of them. Sheer bliss, and she gave a delighted smile. ‘Thank you.’

  In a natural progression she reached for his shirt buttons and slowly released each one…and laughed a little as he returned the favour.

  Undressing became a slow, evocative tease, with the light brush of her fingers, the sensual kiss he bestowed on the hollow at the edge of her neck. And when the last vestige of clothing slid to the timbered floor, they indulged in an erotic feast of the senses until only intimacy would suffice.

  It was then Xavier tossed the bedcovers aside and drew her down onto the sheets, where their lovemaking ignited a shimmering passion that soared high as it encompassed mind, body and spirit…theirs, in a primitive, almost pagan unison that transcended anything they’d previously shared.

  More, so much more than very good sex, Romy accepted as her heartbeat gradually slowed to a regular beat. Infinitely special.

  Love. She almost said the words. Heard the words he uttered in Spanish…only to fail with the translation, and she fell into an exhausted sleep before she could ask him.

  The next morning they woke early, donned casual wear and took a long walk along the beach. The cool waters were a translucent green, the surface dappled beneath the rising warmth of a tropical sun, and there was a sense of tranquility. A shared silence that obviated the need for conversation.

  Simple pleasures, Romy mused as they eventually made their way to the dining room and selected breakfast from the buffet.

  Fresh juice, aromatic coffee, and delicious food. It was a wonderful beginning to a delightful day.

  Taking the catamaran out proved spectacular, with the craft skimming over the water, the light breeze ruffled her hair while her exposed skin took on a sun-kissed glow.

  There was time for a quick shower, followed by a light lunch eaten alfresco before checking in to the spa for their afternoon treatments.

  Heaven. Simply heaven to lie supine on soft warm towels and be indulged and nurtured by signature therapies designed to soothe and enhance the skin and body. Beneath the hands of a skilled masseuse it was impossible not to relax and simply enjoy the incredible sense of peace.

  One could, Romy perceived dreamily, easily become accustomed to such luxury on a regular basis!

  ‘Good?’ Xavier queried as they emerged from the spa fully dressed, and her mouth curved into a delicious smile.

  ‘Wonderful doesn’t begin to cover it.’ Her eyes sparkled with pleasure as he looped an arm along the back of her waist.

  He looked relaxed, almost contented, and she spared him a curious glance as he indicated a path leading down to the beach.

  There was an earthiness in walking barefoot along the soft powdery sand, almost a silent commune with nature as they wandered arm-in-arm towards the water’s edge and headed towards a distant low rocky promontory.

  When they reached it, Romy expected him to turn and head back, except he sank down on a nearby flat rock and drew her to stand between his thighs.

  Her eyes widened as he cradled her face and closed his mouth over hers in a gentle kiss that made her want to lean in and deepen the contact.

  The faint scent of the subtle oil used by the masseuse lingered, warmly sensual as he used each thumb-pad to smooth a light path down the edge of her throat, and she became conscious of each pulse deepening to a thudding beat.

  There was a sense of loss as he lifted his head, and her eyes dilated at the dark warmth apparent in his own. The edges of his mouth curved a little into a languorous smile.

  ‘Will you share the rest of your life with me?’ Xavier queried gently and glimpsed her momentary uncertainty.

  ‘I thought that was the plan.’

  ‘Mine,’ he agreed quietly. ‘But not yours, initially.’

  Was this a time for truth? To confront past issues and hopefully resolve them? ‘No,’ she admitted. ‘I hated you for what you did.’

  Her honesty brought an bemused quirk to the edge of his lips. ‘And now?’

  Dared she go for broke? Bare her heart, her soul? ‘Not so much.’

  ‘Would it help if I said I love you?’

  She felt her mouth tremble, and her eyes widened into deep sapphire pools as he eased the pad of his thumb over her lower lip.

  ‘Only if you mean it.’

  ‘Unequivocally,’ he assured her gently. ‘Beyond reason.’

  It was so what she wanted to hear, yet words temporarily failed her.

  ‘I imagined myself to be immune.’ A faint smile teased the corners of his mouth. ‘A hardened cynic in total control of his emotions. Or so I thought,’ he owned quietly. ‘Until you entered my life.’ His eyes became dark with passion. ‘And filled it with light. And love,’ he added. ‘Except I was a fool, and you walked.’

  ‘Ran,’ Romy amended. ‘As far and as fast as I could. Because to stay, to catch so much as an inadvertent glimpse of you with someone else would have killed me.’

  ‘No one came close,’ he admitted. ‘They weren’t you.’ He traced a light finger over her lower lip. ‘Then fate intervened when Andre’s accounting aroused suspicion, which eventually became proven, and charges were laid.’

  ‘And you involved me in a diabolical game.’

  ‘A calculated manouevre,’ Xavier corrected. ‘One that would put you in my hands and keep you there…for a while. A place where I hoped to persuade you to stay.’

  ‘I think,’ Romy managed quietly. ‘I need to hear you say it again.’

  Xavier’s eyes trapped hers and held her mesmerized at the depth of passion evident. ‘I love you,’ he vowed gently. ‘You…only you.’ His lips brushed hers, settled a little, then lifted mere centimetres. ‘You’re my life, the reason I exist.’ He paused a beat. ‘Beyond doubt.’

  ‘Yes.’ It was such a simple word, but it meant so much. ‘I’ll stay.
For the rest of my life.’

  His eyes gentled with an emotion that captured her heart and made it his…completely, without reservation.

  For a heart-stopping moment it appeared he wasn’t capable of uttering so much as a word, and she wound her arms round his neck and pressed her mouth to his in a kiss that conveyed so much more than mere words ever could.

  ‘Gracias.’ His voice was husky with barely controlled passion, and her bones melted beneath the warmth of his smile as he positioned her head against the curve of his shoulder.

  ‘I need to make a call.’

  ‘Important?’ Romy teased and felt his lips settle briefly on her forehead.

  ‘Uh-huh.’

  It was a short conversation, she reflected dreamily as he pocketed his cellphone.

  ‘Let’s go.’

  ‘To dinner?’

  Xavier rose to his feet and looped an arm around her shoulders. ‘Eventually.’

  Her mouth curved to form a teasing smile. ‘You have something planned?’

  ‘You could say that.’

  Making love. Just the mere thought sent the blood fizzing through her veins and set each separate nerve end quivering with sensual heat. It was then she’d show him how much he meant to her and voice the words she wanted to say.

  From that moment on, they’d share a new beginning. One where there were no secrets, no lingering recriminations. Only deep, abiding love.

  She became misty-eyed and sensed his swift glance.

  ‘Hey,’ he chided her gently, and she offered him a tear-drenched smile.

  ‘A girl is allowed some emotional reaction.’

  It was amazing, Romy mused as they reached the path leading to their villa, how the sun seemed a little brighter, the day more beautiful in every way.

  The excitement built as Xavier unlocked their door, then ushered her inside.

  The scene she’d vividly imagined was so fixed in her mind, she failed in those first few seconds to register that the main room was different from the way it had been when they’d left.

  For one thing, a staff member moved forward to greet her.

  ‘Good afternoon, Romy. My name is Michelle, and I’m here to assist you.’

  To do what? ‘I’m sorry, I don’t understand,’ she said, genuinely perplexed, and she turned slightly. ‘Xavier?’

  He placed a hand at the back of her waist and smoothed it up to her nape in a gentle gesture. ‘We have an appointment in an hour with a celebrant for a reaffirmation of our wedding vows.’ He indicated two dress bags hanging from a mobile luggage trolley. ‘Michelle will help you dress.’

  His words rendered her speechless as she met the lazy amusement apparent in his gaze.

  ‘The resort staff have kindly made another villa available for my use.’ He dropped a light kiss to her cheek. ‘I’ll be back soon.’

  ‘We should get started,’ Michelle said kindly the instant the door closed behind him.

  They did, with Michelle issuing suggestions Romy merely followed…unsure when stunned changed to warm and fuzzy excitement.

  She took the quickest shower on record, then, towelled dry, she emerged into the bedroom to discover a beautiful full-length wedding gown spread out on the king-size bed. Together with everything a bride could need…right down to gorgeous ivory stilettos, stunning underwear, a fingertip veil, and bouquet.

  ‘The hair first, next make-up, then the dress,’ Michelle detailed, indicating a chair, and Romy slid into it with a smile.

  ‘You’ve done this before.’

  ‘How did you guess?’ came the impish response as she got to work.

  The end result was…magic. Romy not only looked bridal, she felt like a bride. The gown was perfect in style and fit, ditto the stilettos, and she turned as Xavier re-entered the room, saw the way he looked at her…and melted.

  This, this was a moment she’d treasure for the rest of her life. The passion, love…there, clearly evident in his expression. For her.

  He moved towards her, tall, dark, resplendent in impeccable tailoring, snowy white shirt and black tie.

  When he reached her, he trailed light fingers down her cheek, and he gently complimented her—‘Beautiful.’ He smiled, and she met it with one of her own. ‘Ready?’

  She’d never been more ready in her life. ‘Yes.’

  Xavier indicated the path leading down to the beach, and Romy looked at him in silent wonder as they reached a private marquee set with a table covered in fine damask. A celebrant waited, together with two witnesses, and, introductions complete, the intimate ceremony began.

  Romy was completely charmed by the spoken words so warmly delivered, making it very personal…special.

  Because this time they both spoke vows with love.

  There was an ethereal feeling as the sun lowered in the sky, changing from red to saffron, then pink as dusk descended.

  Two votive candles provided light as Xavier slid a magnificent square-cut diamond ring onto her finger, and her mouth trembled as he lifted her hand to his lips in a silent, intimate salute.

  It was incredibly touching, and his eyes darkened measurably as she returned the gesture.

  There was only him, the tall, broad-framed man who represented her world. The celebrant, the two witnesses faded from her vision, and she was barely conscious of voicing her polite thanks as she accepted their congratulations and good wishes.

  Then they were alone, and they stood together in mutual silence, savouring the moment, the fading light and the emergence of the moon as it cast a milky glow.

  Being here with him encapsulated everything she could wish for, and she leant in against him, felt his answering warmth, the light touch of his lips against her forehead.

  A light switched on above the table, and soft music filtered through hidden speakers as waitstaff delivered champagne and a series of covered dishes.

  Dinner.

  Romy didn’t feel as if she could eat a thing, but the various aromas proved tempting, and she sampled the starter, then accepted a morsel Xavier offered from his plate.

  It became a slow seduction of the senses as they fed each other food and sampled superb French champagne. She felt complete, as if everything in her life had led to this moment.

  It was a while before they rose and wandered back to their villa.

  There was a need to thank him…and she did, her expressive features more eloquent than the words she offered.

  ‘You did this for me,’ she added quietly as he closed the door behind them.

  ‘Everything I do is for you.’

  Love…his for her, was there, clearly and unashamedly evident for her to see.

  She felt her eyes fill with tears, and she blinked hard to prevent their flow, but one wayward tear tipped over to spill slowly down her cheek.

  ‘I tried so hard not to love you again.’ It was time to say it all…from the heart. ‘I never stopped,’ she managed shakily. ‘Even when I hated you.’ She traced his cheek with gentle fingers. ‘You’re the love of my life,’ she said simply. ‘My heart, my soul…they’re yours. Always.’

  ‘Dios mediante,’ Xavier added softly. ‘You have my word I’ll never give you cause to regret it.’

  A slight movement of her hand sent brilliant prisms of red and blue fire from the ring he’d gifted her. She had nothing that came close in value to give him in return…except one thing. Symbolic, she mused, but infinitely precious.

  ‘Stay there.’

  ‘Amada,’ he assured her gently. ‘I’m not going anywhere.’

  The breath caught in his throat as her mouth curved into a sparkling smile, and he had to tamp down the urge to take possession of her in a manner that would leave no room for doubt.

  Instead, he released her and watched as she disappeared into the en suite, only to re-emerge less than a minute later and hand him a small rectangular packet.

  ‘For you.’ To alleviate any doubt, she added, ‘I’ve no further need to take them.’

  The signifi
cance didn’t escape him, and she met his careful scrutiny with equanimity. ‘It’s all I have to give you,’ she said simply.

  ‘Everything you are,’ he responded gently. ‘Is all I could ever want.’

  ‘A child…children. Ours,’ she added softly. ‘Will complete the joy we share. Don’t you think?’

  She undid him. Always would, he perceived, as he drew her close and closed his mouth over her own.

  All the actions he’d taken, every path he’d traversed in life…had led to this woman.

  Without her, he’d merely exist as an empty, emotionless shell. And he proceeded to tell her, with such deep sensitivity, it almost brought her to tears.

  When he was done, she pressed light fingers to his mouth and gave him a smile to die for. ‘Just for the record, could you translate that into English?’

  He did, catching the slow spill of tears as she failed to still their fall.

  ‘Time, I think,’ Xavier uttered quietly, ‘to indulge in distraction.’

  ‘What do you have in mind?’

  He reached for the zip fastening on her wedding gown, and slowly freed it, removing each layer until she stood naked before him.

  All she’d been able to manage was his jacket and tie and to free the buttons on his shirt, and he easily divested what remained, then he drew her down onto the bed.

  Their lovemaking became something incredibly special…a sensual tasting that led to a conflagration of the senses. Tactile, spiritual, emotional.

  Electrifying passion at its zenith, merging two souls, two hearts as one.

  An intrinsic knowledge they belonged together for all time…and beyond.

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-5194-0

  BRIDE, BOUGHT AND PAID FOR

  First North American Publication 2010.

  Copyright © 2009 by Helen Bianchin.

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, 225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario M3B 3K9, Canada.